Lever-activated shock abatement system and method

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a protective shell having an exterior surface and an interior surface and a lever assembly positioned between the interior surface of the protective shell and a portion of a body. The lever assembly includes a lever having an elongated member extending between a first end and a second end and a pivot location. A fulcrum pivotally engages the pivot location of the lever, wherein the lever rotates about the fulcrum in response to an impact force applied along a first direction to the exterior surface of the protective shell. The lever assembly further includes a spring engaging the lever, wherein a rotation of the lever deforms the spring in a second direction to absorb a portion of a kinetic energy of the collision to redirect and reduce a transfer of a portion of force to the body. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/375,240, filed Aug. 15, 2016, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to lever-activated shock abatement systemand method.

BACKGROUND

Safety helmets generally reduce effects of impacts to top and/or side ofa user's head. Protective headgear often relies upon a hard outer casingwith an impact-energy absorbing padding or a strap based suspensionplaced between the outer casing and the user's head. If a user wearingsuch hard shell helmet suffers a hard blow to the helmet, the impact ofthe hard shell meeting a hard surface generates a shockwave and a highimpact force, that can be absorbed (to a limited extent) by the innershock-absorbing material, or the straps in a typical suspension insidethe hard casing and in contact with the user's head.

Various mechanisms responsible for brain injuries are understood toinclude focal type injuries that generally result from a direct impactto the head, sometimes resulting in cranial fracture. Other mechanismsinclude coup injuries that result from impacts to the same side of thehead, whereas, contrecoup injuries result from impacts to an oppositeside of the head. At least some injuries result from a displacement,e.g., a linear translation, of the brain within the skull. Still otherinjuries, including Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAI), result from arotational acceleration of the head and/or severe acceleration and/ordeceleration that causes traumatic shearing forces, e.g., tissue slidingover tissue. DAI is believed to be one of the most common anddevastating types of traumatic brain injury.

Some have disclosed protective helmets including a hard shell and aninternal suspensions that include flexible cradle systems. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 2,870,445, to Fisher, discloses protective headgear andlining suspensions that include cradle straps joined together along anupper portion by an adjustment strap offering a flexible internalsurface free of rigid projecting blow transmitting elements to cushion ahead of a wearer. U.S. Pat. No. 3,054,111, to Hornickel et al.,discloses a shock absorbing helmet that includes a head-receiving cradleformed from straps that may cross each other or be joined at their upperends by a lace that makes the cradle adjustable. U.S. Pat. No.2,921,318, to Voss et al. discloses a helmet lining that includesseveral flexible cradle straps extending up into a crown of a protectivehelmet from circumferentially spaced points around a lower portion. Eachstrap includes a strip of woven material that necks down as it stretchesin reaction to a blow against the helmet. Other web-like support systemsthat include strips of flexible material that cross each other aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2002/0000004 to Wise et al.

Others have disclosed protective helmets including a hard shell andexternal features to reduce head injury risk. For example, U.S. Pub.Pat. App. No. 2015/0157080, to Camarillo et al., U.S. Pub. Pat. App. No.2011/0185481, to Nagely et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,816, to Davis,disclose wearable devices having force redirecting units connectedbetween an outer surface of a helmet and a shoulder brace forredirecting head impact forces from a wearer's head to another bodypart. U.S. Pub. Pat. App. No. 2010/0229287, to Mothaffar, discloses anarrangement of straps extending from a helmet to other parts of a bodyto limit a range of motion of a wearer's head and flexure of their neck.

Still others have disclosed energy absorbing structures for placementalong an interior surface of a helmet. For example, U.S. Pat. No.9,316,282, to Harris, discloses energy absorbing, collapsible diskstructures that have collapsible arms around a perimeter of two diskssandwiching that cause an elastic material to stretch, storing kineticenergy from a vertical direction as potential energy in a horizontaldirection. U.S. Pat. No. 2,879,513, to Hornickel et al., discloses acrushable block of energy absorbing material disposed in each loopbetween a lace and an inner end of suspension cradle straps. Energyabsorbed in crushing the blocks reduces the shock of an impact against awearer's head. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2009/0260133, to Del Rosario,discloses an impact absorbing frame and multi-layered structure thatincludes inner opposite-facing inner panels that undergo elasticdeformation and compress and expand to dissipate impact energy. U.S.Pat. No. 9,314,063, to Bologna et al., discloses a protective footballhelmet having a one-piece molded shell with an impact attenuation memberformed by removing material from a front portion of the shell to form acantilevered segment.

Although these and other conventional helmet liners have worked well,they have failed to provide protection against both high and low degreesof impact imparted on a helmet over the extended life of the helmet. Theimpact force is often so great that the user's helmet may even initiallybounce back upon impact, thrusting the user's head away from the blow,subjecting the head and neck regions to additional injury causingforces. If the impact is severe enough, it may lead to a concussion(striking of the brain matter to the skull with moderate force) orworse. In some instances, a user can experience a, so called, focal typeof injury, e.g., resulting from a lateral movement of head when shellimpacted, alone or in combination with a rotation of the head, in whichthe head experiences a rapid acceleration and/or deceleration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B depict schematic diagrams of a vertical cross-section of ahelmet shock abatement system;

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of a vertical cross-section ofanother embodiment of a helmet shock abatement system;

FIG. 3 depicts a schematic diagram of a horizontal cross-section of yetanother embodiment of a helmet shock abatement system;

FIGS. 4A-4D depict top perspective, bottom, front and side views,respectively, of an illustrative embodiment of a helmet impact shockabatement system;

FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of the helmet system depicted in FIGS.4A-4D;

FIG. 6B depicts a sagittal plane cross-section of a human head bearingthe helmet system depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D and 6A;

FIG. 7B depicts a frontal plane cross-section of a human head bearingthe helmet system depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D and 7A;

FIG. 8B depicts a sagittal plane cross-section of the elements systemdepicted in FIGS. 4A-4D 8A and 8C;

FIGS. 9A-9D depict a front view of the helmet system depicted in FIGS.4A-4D in various stages of deformation when exposed to a vertical impactforce;

FIG. 10A-10C depict top perspective, top and side section views,respectively, of an illustrative embodiment of a pivot ring portion ofthe helmet system depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D;

FIGS. 11A-11D depict front, side, bottom and top perspective views,respectively, of an example lever assembly of the helmet system depictedin FIGS. 4A-4D;

FIGS. 12A-12D depict bottom perspective, front, bottom and sidecross-section views, respectively, of a lever of the example of thelever assembly depicted in FIGS. 11A-11D;

FIGS. 13A-13D depict top perspective, front, bottom and sidecross-section views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of alever;

FIGS. 14A-14D depict front, side, bottom and bottom perspective views ofan upper pad assembly of the helmet system depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D;

FIGS. 15A-15D depict top perspective, front, top and cross-sectionalviews of a front pad of the upper pad assembly depicted in FIGS.14A-14D;

FIGS. 16A-16D depict top perspective, top, side and front views of aside pad of the upper pad assembly depicted in FIGS. 14A-14D;

FIGS. 17A-17D depict top perspective, top, front, and sidecross-sectional views of a rear pad of the upper pad assembly depictedin FIGS. 14A-14D;

FIGS. 18A-18D depicts the front, side, a bottom and top perspectiveviews of a lower pad assembly of the helmet system depicted in FIGS.4A-4D;

FIGS. 19A-19D depict top perspective, bottom, front and cross-sectionalviews of one embodiment of a lower pad of the lower pad assemblydepicted in FIGS. 18A-18D;

FIGS. 20A-20D depict top perspective, bottom, front and cross-sectionalviews of another embodiment of a lower pad of the lower pad assemblydepicted in FIGS. 18A-18D;

FIGS. 21A-21C depict top perspective, top and front, and expanded viewsof an example of an adjustment band of the helmet system depicted inFIGS. 4A-4D;

FIG. 22A depicts a side view of an example of a lever assembly of thehelmet system depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D;

FIG. 22B, depicts a side view of the lever assembly of FIG. 22Asubjected to a lateral force;

FIG. 23A depicts a front view of an alternative helmet system placed ona human head;

FIG. 23B depicts an illustrative view of an example football helmet;

FIG. 23C depicts an illustrative view of an example military helmet;

FIGS. 24A-24D depicts front, side, bottom and top perspective views ofthe alternative helmet system depicted in FIG. 23A;

FIG. 25 depicts an exploded view of the alternative helmet systemdepicted in FIG. 23A;

FIGS. 26A-26B depicts front and side views of a first lever assembly ofthe alternative helmet system depicted in FIG. 23A;

FIGS. 27A-27B depicts front and side views of a second lever assembly ofthe alternative helmet system depicted in FIG. 23A;

FIGS. 28A-28B depict front and side views, respectively, of the firstlever assembly of the alternative helmet system of FIG. 23A placed on ahuman head;

FIGS. 28C-28D depict sagittal and frontal cross-sectional views,respectively, of the first level assembly of FIGS. 28A-28B;

FIGS. 29A-29B depict front and side views, respectively, of the secondlever assembly of the alternative helmet system of FIG. 23A placed on ahuman head;

FIGS. 29C-29D depict sagittal and frontal cross-sectional views,respectively, of the second level assembly of FIGS. 29A-29B;

FIG. 30A depicts a side view of an example of a lever assembly of thealternative helmet system depicted in FIG. 23A;

FIG. 30B, depicts a side view of the lever assembly of FIG. 32Asubjected to a lateral force;

FIGS. 31A-31D depict front, side, bottom and top perspective views ofanother embodiment of the alternative helmet system depicted in FIG.23A;

FIGS. 32A and 33A depict schematic diagrams of a mechanical andelectrical analog of the helmet system depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D and FIG.32D;

FIGS. 32B, 32C and 33B depict schematic diagrams of mechanical andelectrical analogs of other example helmet systems;

FIG. 34 depicts a process for abating shock resulting from a collision;

FIGS. 35A and 35B depict side and bottom perspective views,respectively, of a portion of an example lever assembly; and

FIGS. 36A and 36B depict side and bottom perspective views of a portionof another example of a lever assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments of devices and processes that abate impact shocks byenacting a machine that redirects at least a portion of an impact forceimposed along one trajectory to a reaction force distributed alonganother trajectory. Other embodiments are described in the subjectdisclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a device, thatincludes a helmet defining an open ended cavity that receives a portionof a human body and a shock abatement assembly disposed at leastpartially within the open ended cavity. The shock abatement assemblyincludes a number of levers, wherein each lever of the number of leverscomprises an elongated member extending between a first end and a secondend. A number of fulcra pivotally engage the number of levers wherein afulcrum of the number of fulcra engages a lever of the number of leversbetween the first end and the second end, wherein at least one lever ofthe number of levers rotate about the number of fulcra in response to animpact force of a collision between the helmet and a foreign object toobtain a lever response, wherein the impact force is applied along afirst direction to an exterior surface of the helmet. The shockabatement assembly further includes a deformable member engaging atleast one lever of the number of levers, wherein a deformation of thedeformable member based on the lever response occurs in a seconddirection different from the first direction, and wherein thedeformation absorbs a non-trivial portion of a kinetic energy of thecollision.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a lever assembly,wherein the lever assembly is configured to be work upon a head portion,a neck portion, or both, of a human body. The lever assembly includes alever having an elongated member extending between a first end and asecond end and a pivot location. A fulcrum pivotally engages the pivotlocation of the lever, wherein the lever rotates about the fulcrum, toobtain a lever action in response to an impact force applied along afirst direction to an exterior surface of the helmet system, and whereinthe impact force is based on a collision between the helmet system andanother object. The lever assembly further includes a spring engagingthe lever, wherein a deformation of the spring based on the leveraction, absorbs a non-trivial portion of a kinetic energy of thecollision. The deformation of the spring occurs in a second directiondifferent from the first direction, and the lever action redirects aportion of the impact force to the portion of the human body.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a process thatincludes providing a helmet system including a number of leversrotatable about a plurality of fulcra, wherein at least one lever of thenumber of levers rotates about a respective fulcrum of the plurality offulcra in response to an impact force received along a first directionat an external surface of the helmet system resulting from a collisionbetween the external surface of the helmet system and another object. Adeformable member of the helmet system engaging at least one lever ofthe plurality of levers deforms in response to a rotating of at leastone lever of the number of levers. The deforming of the deformablemember occurs along a second direction, wherein the deforming of thedeformable member absorbs non-trivial portion of a kinetic energy of thecollision. A portion of the applied force directed toward a body isredirected in response to the rotating of the plurality of levers.

As used herein the term machine generally refers to one or more devicesthat use and/or apply mechanical energy and/or power to perform aparticular task. A machine can include one or more parts, each with adefinite function, that cooperate together and/or with other structuresto perform the particular task. In general, machines can transmit and/ormodify force and/or motion. The particular tasks can include, withoutlimitation, a redistribution of a collision force, a redistribution ofenergy or both. The term machine includes one or more elementarymechanisms, such as a lever, a wheel and axle, a pulley, a screw, awedge, and an inclined plane, generally referred to as simple machines.In at least some applications, the term machine can include complexmachines, e.g., including a combination of one or more simple machines.

Machines can include, without limitation, devices that can be actuated,e.g., by applied energy and/or power. Actuation of the machine can setone or more parts or components of the machine into motion. The motioncan include a controlled movement that can be controlled at least inpart in a predetermined manner according to a structure of the machine.For example, controlled movement can allow parts to move in onedirection while preventing the parts to move in another direction.Motion can include linear motion, rotational motion, and any combinationthereof. In at least some embodiments, machines can include one or moreelements that result in an irreversible transformation of at least aportion of energy applied to the machine.

A collision generally refers to a short-duration interaction between twoor more bodies, resulting in a change in motion of the bodies involveddue to internal forces acting between them. Collisions can be elastic,inelastic or some combination of both. All collisions conserve momentum.Elastic collisions conserve both momentum and kinetic energy; whereas,inelastic collisions conserve momentum, but not kinetic energy. Acoefficient of restitution, e.g., ranging between 0 and 1, provides ameasure of a degree to which a collision is elastic, “1”, or inelastic“0”.

A line of impact can be defined as a line drawn between centers of massof two colliding bodies that passes through a contact point between thebodies. Collisions can be “head on” in which a velocity of each bodyjust before impact is along the line of impact. Alternatively,collisions can be non-head on, also referred to as oblique collisions,e.g., glancing blows, in which the velocity of each body before theimpact is not along the line of impact.

A magnitude of a relative velocity between two colliding bodies at atime of impact can be referred to as a closing speed. In a collisionbetween two bodies, a change in motion of one of the bodies resultingfrom a collision with another one of the bodies depends on how thebodies collided, how long it took the bodies to stop or slow, acrosswhat distance the collision occurred, and a degree of deformity of oneor both of the bodies.

Collisions also involve forces related to changes in velocities of thedifferent colliding bodies. Namely, each body involved in a collisionexperiences a respective impact force. The collision causes a change inacceleration of each body resulting from the collision that occurs overa time interval of the collision. The impact force can be estimated orotherwise approximated as a product of the body's mass and theacceleration, e.g., a change in velocity with respect to time, resultingfrom the collision. In some instances the impact force can berepresented as an average value, e.g., F=ma, in which the acceleration,a, is an average acceleration based on the collision. In general, it isunderstood that the acceleration can include one of a linearacceleration, a rotational acceleration, or both. Accelerations can bepositive or negative. For example, a body at rest hit by another bodywill experience an acceleration, whereas, a body moving that hitsanother body at rest will experience a deceleration.

FIGS. 1A-1B depict schematic diagrams of a vertical cross-section of aprotective system 100 in the form of a helmet system adapted for shockabatement. The example system 100 includes a protective shell 102 in theform of a helmet. The helmet 102 is worn upon a user's head 104 toprotect the user's head 104 from trauma and/or injury associated with acollision or impact of the helmet 102 with a foreign object.

Generally speaking, a foreign object includes any object capable ofcolliding with the protective system 100. Examples of foreign objectsinclude, without limitation, any movable object, such as a vehicle, abody, a portion of a body, an article, goods, materials, merchandise,and the like, including other protective systems 100. Alternatively orin addition, the foreign object can include immovable or substantiallyimmovable objects, such as a building, a portion of a building, a wall,a floor, the ground, a tree, a guardrail, and the like. In somescenarios, one of the protective system 100 or the foreign object isstationary just prior to a collision, whereas, the other one is moving.In other scenarios both the protective system 100 and the object aremoving, e.g., towards each other, away from each other, according tovirtually any relative position, direction, speed, and/or accelerationthat results in a collision between the protective system and theforeign object.

The example protective system 100 includes a machine 101 that isactuated in response to a collision. The machine 101 can redistribute animpact force of the collision, e.g., to one or more directions thatdiffer from a line of impact of the collision. Alternatively or inaddition, the machine 101 can expend at least a portion of kineticenergy associated with the impact to reduce a portion of collisionenergy transferred to the user's head. In at least some embodiments, themachine 101 introduces a delay between an instant of the collision and atime at which energy and/or force is transferred to the user's head.Such expenditures of energy and/or delays in response generallycontribute to a reduction in acceleration and/or decelerationexperienced by the user's head in response to the collision.

The example machine includes a first lever 106 a and a second lever 106b, generally 106. Each lever 106 includes an elongated support arm,e.g., a strut, extending between a first, e.g., top, end 108 and asecond, e.g., bottom 110 end. Each lever 106 is pivotally engages arespective fulcrum 114 at a position between opposing ends of the lever106, such that each lever 106 rotates about its fulcrum.

The example system 100 also includes at least one resilient component116. The example resilient component includes a spring 116 extendingbetween the first lever 106 a and the second lever 106 b. The spring 116is illustrated as being coupled between top ends 108 of the two levers106.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the protective system 100 is in a use mode orconfiguration, sometimes referred to as a static use mode. Namely, thehelmet 102 is worn upon the user's head 104, without being subject toany substantial external forces, such as impulsive forces as might beexperienced when the helmet 102 collides against another structure. Thetop and bottom ends 108, 110 of the lever 106 can include deformablemembers, such as pads or similar features to provide comfort to theuser's head 104 during use. It is understood that the pads can includecompressible elements, compressible materials including resilientmaterials, such as foams, springs and the like to facilitate comfortduring static use and/or shock abatement during periods of dynamic use,e.g., during a collision.

It is understood that one or more of the top pads and/or one or more ofthe bottom pads can be in contact with the user's head 104 during staticuse periods. In the illustrative example, only the top pads are incontact with the user's head 104. An example separation between top endsof the levers 106 is L′, and a corresponding height or separationdistance between a top of the user's head 104 and a facing interiorsurface of the helmet 102 is h′.

A first portion of the impact force and/or kinetic energy of thecollision is redistributed based on the actuating of the machine 101.Redistribution can include a change in direction. For example, acollision force received along a line of action can produce a change inmotion of the collision receiving body, such as a movement of at leastthe outer portion of the helmet system. A resulting impact force, and/ora relative motion between the outer portion of the helmet system, e.g.,resulting from a transfer of energy, can squeeze the machine 101 along afirst direction, e.g., generally towards the protected object along theline of action, e.g., along the direction of the collision force F.Actuation of the machine 101, however, causes movement of one or moreportions of the machine 101 that introduces forces upon one or more ofthe shell 102 and the user's head 104.

In at least some embodiments, resulting forces act on the user's head104 in directions that are orthogonal to the line of action and/or theimpact force F acting upon the force processing mechanism. In at leastsome embodiments, the redistributions or redirection can introduceopposing forces acting upon the user's head 104 that can reduce and/orprevent motion of the object based on a balancing effect of the forces.It is understood that the user's head 104 can experience a resultingcompression, e.g., without a corresponding translation and/or rotation.In at least some embodiments, the resulting forces act on the user'shead 104 in directions that are substantially opposite to the line ofaction and/or the impact force acting upon the force processingmechanism. Once again, such opposing forces can reduce and/or preventmotion of the user's head 104.

In at least some embodiments, a second portion of the impact forceand/or kinetic energy of the collision that would otherwise betransferred toward the user's head 104 is expended, absorbed, and/orotherwise reduced. This expenditure can include one or more of absorbingand/or dissipating energy associated with the collision. The absorbingand/or dissipating energy can occur, at least in part, along a directionother than the line of action. Alternatively or in addition, a reductionof at least a portion of the impact force can include an elastic and/orplastic behavior of materials to transform at least a portion of impactkinetic energy. Namely, impact energy can be absorbed by a break orfracture, a dent, a deformation or other temporary and/or permanentalteration of a protective system component. For example, someprotection systems, such as motorcycle and/or bicycle helmets that aredesigned to break, fracture and/or otherwise deform in response to acollision. In at least some embodiments, energy absorption can beaccomplished by distortion of a resilient and/or compliant member.Examples include, without limitation, storing kinetic energy of thecollision in mechanical energy, e.g., potential energy of a distortedspring, a compressed resilient pad, and the like.

Referring next to FIG. 1B, the system 100 is shown in a dynamic responsemode or configuration. Namely, the helmet 102 worn upon the user's head104 is subjected to an external force, F, shown for illustrativepurposes as a vertically downward force. The external force F, e.g.,resulting from a collision of the helmet 102 with another object, isapplied to an exterior surface of the helmet 102 as shown. The force Fpushes the helmet 102 downward with respect to the user's head 104. Thefulcra 114 securely engage the interior surface of the helmet 102 andmove downward in a corresponding manner with respect to the user's head104. A relative movement of the helmet 102, the fulcra 114 and theuser's head 104 decreases the separation distance between the top of theuser's head 104 and the facing portion of the interior surface of thehelmet to a distance h″, where h″<h′. The relative movement forces thetop ends 108 of the levers 106 into adjacent regions of the user's head104. The user's head 104 provides a reaction force that results in arotation of the levers 106 about the respective fulcra 114, as shown. Inthe example embodiment, the resulting rotation causes bottom portions110 of the levers to move inward towards the user's head 104.

Additionally, the rotation of the levers results in a separation of thetop ends 108 of the levers 106, resulting in an increased separationdistance L″, where L″>L′. The expansion in the separation distanceapplies a tension to the spring 116 causing a distortion of the spring,e.g., and elongation. The elongation of the spring 116 results in aconversion of at least a portion of kinetic energy resulting from thecollision into potential energy in the form of the distorted spring.

Beneficially, rotation of the levers provides several advantages thatfacilitate an abatement of the collision force acting upon the user'shead 104 and/or other parts of the body, such as the neck, spine and thelike. For example, rotations of the levers 106 reconfigured at least aportion of the downward or vertical force F into a different direction,e.g., a horizontal direction, pushing inward on side portions of theuser's head 104. Thus, at least a portion of the downward force F thatwould otherwise tend to compress a user's neck and/or spine is convertedto opposing lateral forces that tend to compress the user's head 104,without necessarily moving and/or compressing the spine.

Moreover, that portion of the kinetic energy that is converted topotential energy in the spring is absorbed or otherwise prevented fromacting upon the user's head 104 or body. In the illustrative example,removal of the force F, e.g., after a collision, can result in asubsequent transfer of the potential energy of the spring 116 intokinetic energy of the levers 106 to rotate the levers back towards theiroriginal static use positions. Such backward rotation can result in arelative movement of the helmet 102 and the user's head 104, e.g., toincrease the separation distance from h″ back to h′. It is anticipatedthat such releases of potential energy will not result in forces thatwould otherwise injure the user 104.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic diagram of a vertical cross-section ofanother embodiment of a protective system 200. The system 200 includeslevers 206 a, 206 b, generally 206 that pivot about respective fulcra214. Each lever includes a first spring 218 coupled between a top end ofthe lever 206 and an interior surface of a helmet 202. Each lever 206can include a second spring 220 coupled between a bottom end of thelever 206 and the helmet 202 as shown. It is understood that the leverscan include other configurations of springs, e.g., including one or moresprings coupled between top and/or bottom ends of the levers 206.

FIG. 3 depicts a schematic diagram of a horizontal cross-section of yetanother embodiment of a protective system 300. The system 300 includesfour lever extensions 306 a, 306 b, 306 c, 306 d, generally 306 thatinclude arcuate surfaces configured to surround at least a portion of aperimeter of a user's head 304. For example, the lever extensions 306can be positioned at top and/or bottom ends of levers, such as theaforementioned example levers 206 (FIG. 2).

The illustrative example includes deformable members that includesprings 316 a, 316 b, 316 c, 316 d, generally 316, coupled betweenadjacent pairs of the lever extensions 306. An external force F isapplied to a side of the helmet 302 results in a relative displacementbetween the helmet 302 and the user's head 304. One or more of thesprings 316 can be deformed in response to a relative movement of thehelmet 203, the user's head 304 and/or one or more of the levers 306.

In some embodiments, one or more of the levers can be configured totwist. For example, the twisting can be in response to a force appliedto one or more elongated extensions at either or both ends of a leverassembly. In some embodiments, twisting is permitted by one or more of amechanical configuration or a choice of material. Twisting of one ormore of the levers can contribute to deformation of one or moredeformable members, or springs, e.g., to convert a kinetic energy to apotential energy based on the twisting. In at least some embodiments,twisting includes a rotational displacement of one end of a lever withrespect to an opposing end of the lever.

In at least some embodiments, one or more of the elongated portion ofthe lever and the extension are substantially rigid and joined by way ofa linkage that facilitates a twisting. Alternatively or in addition, atwisting can be facilitated by a pivot about which the lever rotates.For example, the pivot can be flexibly mounted to one of a mountingframe and/or an interior surface of a protective shell or helmet. It isunderstood that one or more of the levers can include one or morejoints, such as ball and socket joints.

FIGS. 4A-4D depict top perspective, bottom, front and side views,respectively, of an illustrative embodiment of a lever assembly 400. Thelever assembly 400 can be referred to as a shock abatement system and/ora helmet suspension system that can be used in combination with aprotective helmet wearable upon a portion of a human head, a neck orboth. The illustrative helmet lever assembly 400 can be used alone or incombination with a protective helmet shell. For example, the protectivehelmet shell can be molded or otherwise formed from a material, such asa polymer, a composite, e.g., including a resin and a fibrous matrix, ametal, e.g., as used in armor, or any combinations thereof. In at leastsome embodiments, the helmet shell can be rigid. It is understood thatthe protective shell, e.g., the helmet, without limitation, can includea single layer of material or multiple layers of material and providesan external surface that is configured to receive a collision force. Themultiple layers of material can be of the same or similar materials ordifferent materials. For example, materials with a structuralorientation, such as materials including fibers, e.g., woven materials,can be layered having different orientations.

The direction, number, and/or magnitude of an applied, e.g., collision,force depends upon an intended application for the helmet. In someinstances, it is possible to generally categorize protective gear intoat least four general categories, including those intended for: (i)single impact, single direction; (ii) single impact, multipledirections; (iii) multiple impacts, single direction, and (iv) multipleimpacts, multiple directions. It should be understood that the shockabatement systems and protective techniques disclosed herein can beapplied to one or more of these categories.

The lever assembly 400 includes a mechanism that facilitates mitigationof impact forces upon a user. For example, the mechanism can include aforce-redirecting mechanism that, when placed between the protectiveshell and the human body, facilitates redirection of a portion of thecollision force transferred to the human body.

The illustrative example helmet lever assembly 400 includes four levers406 disposed about a central axis, corresponding to a vertical axis ofan upright, or standing, human body. Each of the levers 406,respectively, extends between a upper end 403 and lower end 404. Thelevers 406 are pivotally attached to a pivot ring 402 providing aplurality of fulcra pivotally attached to the plurality of levers 406 atlocations between their respective upper and lower ends 403, 404. Whenused with a protective shell, such as a helmet, the lever assembly 400reacts to an applied force by pivoting one or more of the levers 406about its respective fulcrum. It is believed that the pivoting action ofthe levers in reaction to in impulsive or impact force mitigate injuriesto a human head, neck and/or back, when it is fully assembled. Avertical axis corresponding to a longitudinal axis of an upright humanbody or head is illustrated for reference. A vertical blow is primarilydirected downward from above substantially along the vertical axis. Suchimpacts can result from falling objects, e.g., in a construction siteand/or impacts resulting from the helmet being driven into anotherobject, such as a beam, a mine shaft, and the like as might be caused bymovement of objects and/or movement of a user.

In some embodiments, the lever assembly 400 can be assembled as aself-contained, wearable unit. In the illustrative example, the leverassembly 400 can be assembled into a free-standing assembly that can beworn with or without a protective shell. It should be understood thatthe shock abatement systems disclosed herein can be assembled intofree-standing assemblies and used without protective shells. Suchfree-standing assemblies can be pre-assembled and inserted into orotherwise combined with protective shells. Alternatively or in additionthe shock abatement systems can be combined with one or more protectiveshells and/or assembled in combination with such shells. In someembodiments, one or more components, e.g., the fulcra, can be attachedto and/or integrally formed with the protective shell. It is envisionedthat in at least some embodiments, one or more cantilevered segments canbe formed by removing material from a portion of a shell. At least oneof the one or more cantilevered segments can be operatively coupled toone or more of the example levers and/or lever assemblies disclosedherein to redistribute a non-trivial portion of a collision energy thatabsorbs and/or dissipates energy in directions other than a line ofimpact of the collision.

FIG. 5 depicts a top perspective, exploded view of an embodiment of ahelmet shock abatement system 500, similar to the system 400 depicted inFIGS. 4A-4D. The example shock abatement system 500 includes a leverarray 504. The lever array 504 includes four levers: a front lever 504a, a right side lever 504 b, a rear lever 504 c, and a left side lever504 d, generally 504. The levers 504 are elongated extending between afirst end, e.g., a top end, and a second end, e.g., a bottom end. Eachlever 504 also includes a respective pivot location 520 situated betweenthe first and second ends that abuts a corresponding fulcrum. Each ofthe levers 504 rotates about its respective fulcrum. Although fourlevers are shown for illustration, it is understood that more or fewerlevers can be employed. For example, a two lever application can includetwo levers that can be arranged in opposition, e.g., front and rear orleft and right side. Other embodiments can include different numbers oflevers, e.g., without limitation, three, five, six, nine, twelve.

In some embodiments, lever rotation can occur within a plane. Consider ahinge-type pivot in which rotation is substantially constrained to aplane substantially perpendicular to an axis of the pivot. Alternativelyor in addition, rotation can occur more freely, e.g., within threedimensions. Consider a point fulcrum in which the lever 504 can rotatein three dimensions. By way of non-limiting arrangements, a pivot caninclude a ball-and-socket style joint or coupling. Such an engagementcan include a partially spherical protrusion, e.g., a ball or apartially spherical cavity, e.g., a socket positioned at a pivotlocation along the lever 504 and a corresponding socket or ballpositioned at an adjacent fulcrum. The ball-and-socket joint generallyallows for multidirectional movement and rotation.

The example shock abatement system 500 also includes a mountingstructure, e.g., a mounting frame 502 to which the levers of the leverarray 504 are pivotally attached. The example mounting frame includes anenclosed ring 502, e.g., a circle or an oval, e.g., an ellipse or eggshape. The mounting frame 502 includes a fulcrum for each of the levers.The example fulcrum includes a recess 552 and an opposing pair ofmounting points 554.

Each lever 504 of the lever assembly 500 includes a respective pivotlocation 520 including opposing pivot extensions 522′, 522″, generally522. In the illustrative embodiment, the pivot location 520 can includea pivot axle, e.g., defined at least in part by the pivot extensions 522that can be integrally formed with each lever 504. It is understood thatother embodiments can include separate parts, such as a pivot axle, andthe like. The pivot extensions 522 are pivotally attached to respectivemounting points 554, e.g., notches, channels, grooves or the like of themounting frame 502. The mounting frame 502, e.g., by its mounting points554, provides fulcra that support the levers 504. Accordingly, eachlever of the lever array 504, when mounted to the mounting frame 502 byway of the pivot extensions 522, is rotatable about its respectivefulcrum, e.g., about a pivot axis 520.

In the example system 500, each of the levers 504, includes a respectivetop deformable member 506 a, 506 b, 506 c, 506 d, generally 506,disposed at a respective top end of each of the levers 504. Likewise,each of the levers 504 also includes a respective bottom deformablemember 508 a, 508 b, 508 c, 508 d, generally 508, disposed at arespective bottom end of each of the levers 504. One or more of thedeformable members 506, 508 can include a spring, a compressibleelement, a resilient material, a compressible material, a compliantmaterial, a conformable material, or any combination thereof. Deformablematerials can include, without limitation, compressible materials,including, without limitation, spongy materials, foams, rubbers,polymers, gels, composites and the like. It is understood that one ormore of the deformable members 506, 508 can be in contact with a portionof a body, such as a human head, face and/or neck. One or more of thedeformable members 506, 508 can be configured to touch the body duringnormal wear, e.g., static use, during periods of reaction to externalforces including impulsive or impact forces as might be experiencedduring a collision, and/or subsequent to any such collisions.

Each of the top deformable members 506, or more generally topattachments 506, can be attached to the first end, or top portion ofeach lever 504. The size, shape and or composition of each of the topattachments 506 can be sized, shaped and/or otherwise positioned to bein contact with an adjacent anatomical feature of the body. For theexample helmet application, the top attachments 506 are sized and/orshaped to confirm to a top or crown portion of a user's head. Forexample, the top attachments 506 can form part of the helmet shockabatement mechanism to facilitate action of the levers 504 in responseto a substantially vertical impact received on an external surface ofthe helmet, while also offering an added measure of protection to theuser. Namely, the top attachments 506 can be formed from a deformablematerial that can change shape, at least temporarily, under an impact toabsorb energy, without injuring an adjacent region of the user's scalp.For example, the top attachments 506 can be formed from a resilientmaterial.

Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the bottom deformablemembers 508, or more generally bottom attachments 508, can be formedfrom a resilient material and/or a compressible material and attached tothe lower portion of each lever 504. The size, shape and or compositionof each of the bottom attachments 508 can be sized, shaped and/orotherwise positioned to be in contact with an adjacent anatomicalfeature of the body. For the example helmet application, the bottomattachments 508 are sized and/or shaped to conform to a side portion ofa user's head, e.g., a frontal or forehead region, a side or templeregion and/or a rear or occipital region. It is understood that one ormore of the bottom attachments can be configured to conform to multipleregions of a bodily anatomy, such as forehead-temple and/ortemple-occipital, and the like. In at least some embodiments, one ormore of the bottom attachments 508 can form part of the shock abatementmechanism to facilitate action of the levers 504 in response to a sideor vertical impact received on an external surface of the helmet, whilealso offering an added measure of protection to the user. Namely, thebottom attachments 508 can be formed from a compressible material thatcan deform, at least temporarily, under an impact to absorb energy,without injuring an adjacent region of the user's scalp.

The shock abatement system 500 can include one or more springs, such asa top spring member 510 that absorb and/or store energy in response tomovement of the levers 504. In the example shock abatement system 500,the spring member 510 includes an enclosed loop disposed along an outerfacing surface of a top portion of each of the levers 504. The topresilient member 510 can include a spring and/or an elastomericmaterial, such as an elastic band, a rubber band, or a resilient O-ring.Although the illustrative examples portray an enclosed elastomeric loop,it is understood that any deformable material and/or configuration canbe used. For example, a top portion of one of the levers 504 can beattached to a top portion of one or more of the other levers 504 by oneor more springs. For example, springs can be used between adjacentlevers 504, and/or between non-adjacent levers 504, e.g., betweenopposing levers 504. According to any of the example configurations, animpact or collision force induces a rotation of one or more of thelevers 504, which results in a deformation of the one or more springmembers 510 to absorb, and/or store, and/or dissipate kinetic energy ofthe impact/collision. It is understood that deformations of any of thevarious devices and/or materials disclosed herein can include one ofplastic deformations, elastic deformations, or any combination thereof.

In at least some embodiments, one or more deformable members, such asthe example spring members 218 of FIG. 2, can be placed between thelevers 504 and a protective shell 202 (FIG. 2). Accordingly, when thelevers 504 move, energy may be absorbed by deformation of the springs.More generally, the deformable members, e.g., spring members, do nothave to be limited to contact foams and/or o-rings. More generally, anyother kinds of spring can be used. Such springs, in operation, cancooperate with action of the levers. It is understood that such springmembers alone or in combination can facilitate a “threshold strategy” inwhich a type of mechanical response of the protective system can differbased on a magnitude and/or acceleration of a collision.

The spring member 510, without limitation, can include a tension springhaving one or more of a coil spring or an elastomeric material, e.g.,such as an elastic band. In the example embodiment the upper tensionspring, 510, is an elastic or rubber O-ring, e.g., about 4 mm indiameter. Other embodiments can use any spring or rubber like materialthat can work under tension that can absorb energy by deformation in adifferent direction than that of the vector of the original impact. Inthis embodiment extrusion is used to create a cylindrical rubber bandthat is later cut, e.g., at a 45 degree angle in each of its ends, andglued together using an epoxy adhesive to form an enclosed ring of apredetermined size and shape.

The top resilient member 510 can remain in tension and/or slack withrespect to any and/or all of the levers 504 during normal periods ofusage. Periods of use can be described generally as a static storagemode, a static use mode, and a dynamic impact mode. The static storagemode can include periods during which the helmet and/or shock abatementsystem is not placed on a portion of a body, e.g., during periods ofnon-use or storage. The static use mode can include periods during whichthe helmet and/or shock abatement system is placed on a portion of abody, e.g., during periods of usage or wear. The dynamic use mode caninclude periods during which the helmet and/or shock abatement system isplaced on a portion of a body and exposed to external forces, such asexposed to during periods of impacts or collisions of the helmet withanother object.

By way of example, in response to a vertically applied force, e.g., to atop portion of the helmet or head, the top portions of the levers 504generally rotate outward, away from the central axis. Such outwardrotation of the top portions of the levers 504 generally deforms the topresilient member 510 by stretching it. The stretching absorbs and/orotherwise stores kinetic energy of the lever rotation as potentialenergy by the expansion and/or compression of the resilient material ofthe top resilient member 510. In at least some embodiments, upon aremoval of the vertical force, the potential energy stored in the topresilient member 510 can be transferred back to the levers 504 to inducea rotation that returns the levers 504 to a pre-stressed configuration.

In at least some embodiments, the shock abatement system can beconfigured with clasps, locks, catches, ratchet mechanisms or the like,to retain the levers in a rotated configuration, thereby preventing atransfer of potential energy stored in the top resilient member 510 backto the levers. Although the illustrative examples includetransformations of a kinetic energy associated with a collision into apotential energy, e.g., by deformation of a resilient material, such asa spring, it is understood that other energy absorbing and/ordissipating techniques can be used. For example, energy of a collisionforce can include transforming a kinetic energy to one of a potentialenergy, a mechanical energy, a thermal energy, an acoustic energy, anelectrical energy, a magnetic energy, or any combination thereof.

In the example system, each of the levers is substantially aligned in aplane that contains the central axis. Rotation of each lever can besubstantially confined to this plane in a manner that controls positionsof the top and/or bottom attachments with respect to a user's headand/or neck. The pivot portions of the levers and/or the fulcra can bedisposed in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. Accordingly, theexample arcuate top portions 506, collectively, can form a first oval420 (FIG. 4B) having a first size, e.g., small, during static modes ofoperation, and a second oval 422 (FIG. 4B) having a second size, e.g.,large, during dynamic modes of operation. Likewise, the example arcuatebottom portions 508, collectively, can form a first oval having a firstsize, e.g., large, during static modes, and a second oval having asecond size, e.g., small, during dynamic modes of operation. Sizesand/or shapes of the ovals can be controlled by one or more of the sizesof the levers 504, positions of the pivots 520, size, shape and/ororientation of the top attachments 506 and/or the bottom attachments508, and/or characteristics, e.g., size, shape, resiliency of the topspring member 510.

The levers 504 of the example shock abatement system 500 are curved toprovide a concave surface facing inward towards the central axis. Forthe example helmet application, the shock abatement system 500 includesan open-ended interior region that is sized and/or otherwise shaped toaccommodate at least a top portion of a user's head.

In the illustrative embodiment, the shock abatement system 500 includesan adjustment band 512 that includes an occipital support withadjustment mechanism of the ratchet kind. However other embodiments canuse any of the available adjustment mechanisms and/or occipitalsupports. Alternatively or in addition, the adjustment band can includeone or more other components to facilitate fitting and/or securing theshock abatement system 500. Examples include, without limitation, astrap, belt or pad(s) that conforms to a portion of the object beingprotected, such as an adjustable strap that conforms to anatomicalportion of the body, e.g., an adjustable nape or chin strap.

The adjustment band 512 in this example embodiment can be made of aflexible material with high tensile resistance like polymers, e.g.,polypropylene. This material can be injected, casted, press-cut formed,or the like, using known manufacturing techniques to fully form all thedetails of the grooves needed for the adjustment mechanism. However,other embodiments that use other adjustment mechanisms can use differentmeans of manufacturing, such as punching. Any flexible material withrelatively high tensile strength can be used like other polymers,leather, metals, foils, etc.

The adjustment band 512 is illustrated along an outer bottom end of atleast some of the levers 504. It is understood that other configurationscan include one or more adjustment bands, with at least some of theadjustment bands being fitted or otherwise placed along an interior orinner portion of the lever, along an exterior or outer portion of thelever, or along a combination of interior and exterior portions ofdifferent levers. For example, the lever 504 can be formed with anopening, such as a loop, a slot, a channel, and the like, to accommodateat least a portion of the adjustment band 512, e.g., as in a beltthreaded through a belt loop of a garment. In at least some embodiments,the adjustment band 512 does not inhibit movement of the levers. Forexample, the adjustment band can be placed along and/or at attached toan interior region of the protective shell, without inhibiting movementof the levers.

FIG. 6B depicts a sagittal plane cross-section of a human head bearingthe example helmet shock abatement system 500 depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D, 5and FIG. 6A. Although a protective shell is not shown for clarity itshould be understood that the shock abatement system 500 can bepositioned between a protective shell and the user's body. It isgenerally understood that a size and or shape of a protective helmetshell can be determined according to one or more of an application,e.g., sports, work, military, vehicular, a user preference, and thelike. In particular, the cross-sectional view illustrates positioning offront and rear top attachments, e.g., resilient members 506 a, 506 calong a longitudinal plane at the crown of the user's head. Also shown,are positioning of the front and rear bottom attachments, e.g.,compressible members 508 a, 508 c along a lower periphery of the user'shead, e.g., in a longitudinal plane positioned slightly above the browand or adjacent to an occipital region.

FIG. 7B depicts a frontal plane cross-section of a human head bearingthe helmet shock abatement system depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D, 5 and FIG.7A. In particular, the cross-sectional view illustrates positioning ofleft and right side top resilient members 506 b, 506 d along atransverse plane at the crown of the user's head. Also shown, arepositioning of the left and right side bottom compressible members 508b, 508 d along a lower periphery of the user's head, e.g., in thetransverse plane positioned adjacent to a temple region of the user'shead.

FIG. 8B depicts a sagittal plane cross-section of the shock abatementsystem 500 depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D, 5, 8A and 8C. In particular, animpact or collision force Fc is shown directed downward, along thecentral axis. It is generally understood that the example helmet shockabatement system 500 fits within a protective helmet shell. A region ofengagement between the shock abatement system 500 and the helmet shell(not shown) can occur along an outer surface, e.g., an outer slantedsurface, of the mounting assembly, or pivot ring 502. It is furtherunderstood that in at least some embodiments, an open space is providedbetween portions of the shock abatement system 500 and an interiorsurface of the protective helmet shell. The open space is generallysufficient to allow a mechanism of the shock abatement system 500, suchas the levers 504, to operate, e.g., pivot, about their respective axeswithout interfering with or otherwise being hindered by the protectivehelmet shell. Beneficially, the open space allows for air circulation,cooling and/or mitigation of perspiration.

In more detail, the downward collision force Fc pushes the protectivehelmet shell in a downward direction along the central axis (this can beviewed from a frame of reference of the helmet, in which it would appearthat the user's head is moving upward, towards the point of impact). Thedownward movement of the helmet shell (upward movement of the head)urges the pivot ring 502 in the same, downward direction. The collisionforce result in multiple collision force elements applied through eachof the resilient top portions 506 to the crown portion of the user'shead. The head, in turn, provides head reaction force components F_(H1),F_(H2), generally F_(H), operating against respective ones of theresilient top portions 506. The head reaction force components F_(H)cause the top portions of the levers 504 to rotate upward and outward,e.g., the front lever 504 a rotates counterclockwise, whereas the rearlever 504 c rotates clockwise.

The outward rotation of the top portions of the levers 504 isaccompanied by an inward rotation of the bottom portions of the levers.The inward rotation of the lower lever portions moves the lowercompressible portions 508 inward towards the user's head. Namely, thelower portions of the levers induce inward redistribution forces F_(R1),F_(R2), F_(R3), F_(R4), generally F_(R). In the illustrative example, avertical collision force upon a top portion of a helmet shell that wouldtend to compress portions of a user's neck and/or spine is transformedinto a lesser first annular force applied to a crown portion of the topof the head, a second lateral force directed inward towards the centralaxis, and absorption and/or storage of at least some of the kineticenergy of the collision by one or more of the deformable componentsand/or dampening or dispersive components. Beneficially, the lateral orinward directed forces do not compress the spine or neck of the user.Accordingly, the shock abatement system 500 transforms a substantiallyunidirectional, e.g., vertical, force into multiple component forces,e.g., perpendicular, over a variety of different directions, includingdirections that are at least 90 degrees from an incident direction ofthe collision force.

The pivot location or axis 520 can be located at a predeterminedposition along a length of the lever 504 a. For example, the pivot axis520 can be located centrally, substantially equidistant from either endof the elongated lever 504 a. Alternatively or in addition, the pivotaxis 520 can be located closer to one end or the other. It is understoodthat in at least some applications, the pivot location can be at one ofthe top and/or bottom ends of the lever 504. In the illustrativeexample, the pivot axis 520 is located closer to a top portion than abottom portion of the lever 504 a. In operation, the lever 504 rotatesabout the pivot axis 520. It is generally understood, as with levermachines in general, that a mechanical advantage can be obtainedaccording to the location of the pivot position. For analyticalapplications, a mechanical advantage of a lever 504 can be equated to atransformer of an electrical circuit in which a driving voltage can bestepped up or stepped down according to the number of turns of thetransformer windings. That is, the mechanical advantage or transformereffect can be controlled to increase or decrease a redistribution of adriving force based on a positioning of the pivot along the lever 504. Aratio of turns corresponds to placement of the pivot position along thelever.

In addition to mechanical advantage, lengths of travel of respectiveends of the lever 504 a when rotated about the pivot axis 520 can becontrolled, at least to some degree, by placement of the pivot positionor axis 520 along the length of the lever 504 a. According to theillustrative example in which the pivot axis 520 is closer to a topportion of the lever 504 a, the top portion will travel less than thebottom portion. Lengths of travel of the respective ends can bedetermined according to a product of a length between the pivot axis 520and the respective end and an angular displacement of the lever measuredin radians.

In some embodiments the pivot axes 520 of every lever of the leverassembly are positioned at a common distance from one end, e.g., thetop, of the lever 504. In the example embodiment, the levers aresubstantially the same length, and the pivot axes are located at acommon distance with respect to all levers of the lever assembly 504.Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the levers can havedifferent lengths from the pivot axes 520 to the other ends of thelever, e.g., the bottom. In some embodiments, placement of the pivotaxes differ among the levers 504. Such lever length and/or pivotlocation can be used to tailor a desired redistribution of forces inresponse to a driving, e.g., collision or impact force.

FIGS. 9A-9D depict a lateral view of the helmet shock abatement system500 depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D in various stages of deformation whenexposed to a vertical impact or collision force. FIG. 9A illustrates aside view of the shock abatement system 500 in a static mode at rest andwithout deformation, e.g., not placed on a user's head. The top portionsof opposing levers 504 a, 504 c in the sagittal plane are separated by afirst distance d_(L2). FIG. 9D illustrates a corresponding separation ofthe bottom portions of the same levers 504 a, 504 c in the sagittalplane, d_(L1). FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of the shock abatementsystem 500 in a static use mode, e.g., at rest upon a user's head. Inthe example configuration, the static use mode results in a relativelysmall deformation. Namely, the top portions of opposing levers 504 a,504 c in the sagittal plane are separated by a second distance d_(U2).FIG. 9D illustrates a corresponding separation of the bottom portions ofthe same levers 504 a, 504 c in the sagittal plane, d_(L2). Likewise,FIG. 9C illustrates a side view of the shock abatement system 500 duringa dynamic impact mode, e.g., responding to a vertically downwardcollision force Fc applied to a top of the user's head, which results ina relatively large deformation. The top portions of opposing levers 504a, 504 c in the sagittal plane are separated by a third distance d_(U3).FIG. 9D illustrates a corresponding separation of the bottom portions ofthe same levers 504 a, 504 c in the sagittal plane, d_(L3). According tothe example shock abatement system:d _(L1) >d _(L2) >d _(L3)  Eq. 1andd _(U1) <d _(U2) <d _(U3)  Eq. 2

It is understood that in some embodiments configurations of the staticat rest and static use modes can be substantially the same, e.g.,d_(L1)=d_(L2) and/or d_(U1)=d_(U2).

FIGS. 10A-10C depict top perspective, top and section side views,respectively, of an illustrative embodiment of the mounting frameportion 502 of the helmet shock abatement system 500 depicted in FIGS.4A-4D. By way of illustration, the pivot ring, 502, is used to hold eachlever 504 a, 504 b, 504 c, 504 d (FIG. 5), in place and allows thelevers to pivot freely. In the illustrative embodiment, the mountingframe 502 includes an enclosed curved structure, e.g., a circle or oval.Although the illustrative mounting structure includes an enclosedring-like structure, it is understood that the mounting frame 502 caninclude an open structure, such as an open-ring, e.g., a split ring or“C” shape, a series of arcs and/or one or more substantially straightsegments.

In the illustrative embodiment, an interior perimeter of the mountingstructure, or pivot ring 502, includes a front lever cavity 552 a, aright side lever cavity 552 b, a rear lever cavity 552 c, and a leftside lever cavity 552 d, generally 552. The lever cavities are formed asa cutout, notch or indent from an otherwise unbroken interior perimeter,allowing the levers 504 to be positioned in a low-profile manner, atleast partially within the pivot ring 502.

In more detail, each of the lever cavities 552 includes a pair ofopposing pivot cavities 554. The pivot cavities 554 are sized andpositioned to accept the pivot extensions 522 (FIG. 5). The pivotcavities 554 provide a fulcrum that generally allows the pivotextensions 522 to rotate within the pivot cavities 554, to facilitaterotation of the levers 504 in response to collision forces.

In at least some embodiments, the pivot ring 502 includes an angled sideperimeter 553, or a slanted surface, that facilitates a wedging of thepivot ring 502 within an interior region of a helmet. It is understoodthat other shapes can provide a desirable wedging action, includingcurved surfaces, e.g., convex as in a circular or parabolic arc. In someembodiments, the slanted surface 553 of the pivot ring 502 forms africtional engagement with the interior surface of the protective shell,or helmet without requiring any other fasteners, such as glues and/oradhesives. In some embodiments, the interior surface of the helmetincludes a feature, such as a retaining lip, ridge, groove, snap, or thelike, that facilitates a snap fit and/or in interference fit between thepivot ring 502 and the helmet. Alternatively or in addition, an adhesiveis applied to one or more of the pivot ring 502 and/or an interiorsurface of the helmet to hold a mechanism formed by the pivot ring 502and the lever assembly 504 in place, inside the helmet.

In some embodiments, the pivot extensions 522 (FIG. 5) fasten to theinterior portion of the protective shell, or helmet. For example, theinterior surface of the helmet can include pivot supports (not shown)into which the pivot extensions 522 are placed. In some embodiments, thepivot extensions 522 attach to the pivot supports using a snap-fittingarrangement. Alternatively or in addition, a separate pivot mountingstructure can be provided for each of the levers 504 (FIG. 5) to securethe levers 504 in a rotatable engagement about their respective pivotaxes 522.

The slanted or wedging outer surface of the example pivot ring 502responds to a downward vertical blow, by forcing the wedging surfacefurther into an interior surface of the helmet, e.g., towards a top ofthe helmet. Beneficially, the pivot ring 502, when engaged, can movetogether with the helmet shell, allowing the levers to react to externalforces, such as the impact force, promoting a relative displacement ofthe user's head and the helmet shell. The displacement together withrotations of one or more of the levers 504 can facilitate a redirectionand/or redistribution of a reaction forces to the impact force of thecollision.

One or more of the general shape of the pivot ring and the wedgingsurface facilitate a secure fit for a variety of different helmets.Namely, the pivot ring 502 can provide a universal frame that mounts tomultiple helmets. For example, the pivot ring 502 fits into a dome byincluding a wedge that wedges the pivot ring 502 into an anchoredposition, and maintains the pivot ring 502 in the anchored position whenexposed to a hit from a top of the head. An impact from the top resultsin the whole anchored ring moving with helmet. The size and/or shape ofthe ring can allow for a universal fit, allowing the levers to work inany shell as long as elliptical, semi-elliptical, or egg-shaped.

FIGS. 11A-11D depict front, side, bottom and top perspective views,respectively, of an example lever assembly 504 of the helmet shockabatement system 500 depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D. In some embodiments, oneor more of the levers 504 a, 504 b, 504 c, 504 d are formed from asubstantially rigid material, such as a rigid polymer, a rigidcomposite, a metal, an alloy, a ceramic, or any combination thereof.Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the levers 504 a, 504 b,504 c, 504 d are formed from a flexible material, such as a polymer, acomposite, a metal, an alloy or any combination thereof. The levers 504can be formed by injection molding, casting, machining, mechanicalassembly, or any combination thereof.

It is understood that in at least some embodiments, one or more of thelevers 504 can provide different material properties. For example, frontand rear levers 504 a, 504 c can be substantially rigid, whereas, sidelevers 504 b, 504 c can be flexible. Alternatively or in addition, oneor more of the levers 504 can provide different material propertieswithin the same lever 504. For example, an elongated central portion ofthe lever 504 extending between the first and second ends can besubstantially rigid, whereas, top and/or bottom portions extendingoutward and away from the elongated central portion can be substantiallyflexible. In at least some embodiments, the elongated central portionand the top and bottom extensions can provide different materialproperties, e.g., having different stiffness profiles.

It is further understood that one or more of the levers can be formed asa unitary member, e.g., according to one or more of molding, castingand/or machining processes. Alternatively or in addition, one or more ofthe levers can be formed as an assembly, in which one or more elementsof the lever, e.g., the elongated central portion, the top extensions,the bottom extensions, the pivot extensions, and the like can be formedas an assembly. Assembly can include the use of one or more mechanicalfasteners, chemical fasteners, thermal or welding techniques, andcombinations thereof. Mechanical fasteners can include, withoutlimitation, screws, nails, staples, snap fit engagements, and the like.

FIGS. 12A-12D depict bottom perspective, front, bottom and sidecross-section views, respectively, of the front lever 504 a of theexample lever assembly 504 depicted in FIGS. 11A-11D. The lever 504 aincludes an elongated central member 601 extending at least partially ina longitudinal direction, e.g., along a central axis. The elongatedmember 601 can be substantially straight, at least partially curved,piecewise linear, curvilinear. In the illustrative example, theelongated member 601 is curved along a lateral plane cross-section toprovide structural support, while allowing a controlled flexing orbending under lateral stresses, and curved along a longitudinal planecross section, e.g., section D-D. The example lever 504 a extends from afirst or top end to a second or bottom end, having a top extension 603and a bottom extension 605.

The example lever 504 a is curved in cross-section. Such curved crosssection can enhance strength of the elongated member of a giventhickness. It is understood that lever cross sections can include one ormore of convex curves, concave curves, linear segments, e.g., formingobtuse and/or acute angles, or any combination thereof. Such non-linearconfigurations can hinder and/or otherwise prevent leaf-spring action ofthe lever 504 a as disclosed herein.

In this embodiment all of the levers 504 a, 504 b, 504 c, 504 d, havecommon elements that follow a predefined design logic. The top extensionmember 603 extends laterally from an axis of the elongated centralmember 601. In more detail, the example embodiment of the top extensionmember is curved about the axis. The top extension member at leastpartially defines a shaped surface, e.g., a scoop 608. In someembodiments, the shaped surface 608 can be planar, e.g., slanted.Alternatively or in addition the shaped surface can be curved, e.g., ina convex or concave manner, as shown. It is understood that shapes canbe combined, e.g., having one or more straight segments and/or one ormore curved segments.

The example scooped surface 608 defines an arc, e.g., a quarter circlearc. An upper deformable material, e.g., spring, 506 a, 506 b, 506 c, or506 d can be attached to at least a portion of the scooped surface 608,e.g., using an adhesive. More generally, any suitable fastening meanscan be employed, such as adhesives, tapes, glues and the like,mechanical fasteners, such as staples, rivets, pins, screws, nails,snap-fit arrangements, over-molding, and the like. The example geometrypromotes a snug fit between the top extensions 603 of the levers 504 andthe upper springs 506 a, 506 b, 506 c, 506 d. In general, any of thedeformable materials disclosed herein can be formed by one or moretechniques, such as, molding, over-molding, casting, extruding,machining, assembling, or any combination thereof.

It is understood that in some embodiments, the upper side of the leversand the deformable material can be fashioned as a single unit, e.g.,from the same material. It is understood further that densities and/orshapes/configurations of the deformable material can differ from thelevers to provide different resiliencies, e.g., allowing the lever to bestiffer than the deformable material.

In the illustrative example, the upper surface of the scoop 608 definesan arc. It is understood that other shapes can be used, such as aninclined plane, or combination of inclined planes at different angles.The arc and/or other shapes promote action of the levers 504 to transferan upward reaction force, e.g., of a user's head, against the upperextension 603 to promote a rotation about a pivot that distorts, e.g.,expands, the upper resilient member, e.g., O-ring 510 (FIG. 5). Namely,the configuration of the upper surface of the lever 504 a can facilitatetransitions between vertical and horizontal forces. Alternatively or inaddition, the configuration facilitates operation of the levers 504themselves against a reaction of the deformable members, e.g., foams,towards the scoops.

Each lever 504 in the example embodiment includes pivoting elements 522made of the same material as the levers 504, e.g., being casted orinjected at the same time as the levers 504 themselves. Each pivotingelement 522 can include a generally cylindrical shape. In at least someembodiments, each cylinder provides a generally smooth surface thatallows the cylinder of the pivoting element 522 to rotate easily andfreely inside the pivot cavity 554 (FIG. 10C).

Each lever 504 has a lower surface or scoop 605 providing a geometrysimilar to the inside of the pivot ring 502 that can mimic a shape of anadjacent or facing portion of a user's head. Without limitation, thelower scoop 605 in each lever can be casted, injected and/or machined atthe same time as the rest of the lever 504 and forms an integral part ofthe lever 504. Each lower scoop 605 in its inside surface area can usean adhesive over-molding, and/or a mechanical fastener, such as a snapfitting, to hold the lower springs, 508 a, 508 b, 508 c or 508 drespectively. The lower scoops 605 of the front lever 504 a, laterallevers 504 b and 504 d and back lever 504 c have an injection moldingmold split 604 that pierces completely from side to side of the scoop605. This slit 604 is placed there so that the adjustment band groove610 can be formed during the process of injection or casting without theneed of a special mechanized mold, this allows the mold to be made usinga more economical process. It is understood that other embodiments ofthe levers can be formed without necessarily requiring the use of a slit604.

In the illustrative embodiment, the back or exterior facing surface ofthe lower scoops 605 of the front lever 504 a and lateral levers 504 b,504 d have an adjustment band groove 604 that is used to guide theadjustment band 512 (FIG. 5) and secure it to the levers. It isunderstood that other embodiments of the levers can be formed withoutnecessarily requiring the use of a groove.

Likewise, the lever 504 a includes an extended bottom member 605disposed at a bottom end of the central member 601 and extending awayfrom the elongated central member 601. In the example embodiments, theextended bottom member 605 extends along a curved perimeter in a bottomlateral plane. A perimeter or lateral width, or extent of each of thetop member 603 and/or the bottom member 605 can be varied. In theillustrative embodiment the lateral widths are substantially greaterthan a width of the central member 601 to form an “I” shaped structurewhen viewed in frontal profile. Resilient and/or compressible elements,e.g., pads can be attached to interior surfaces of one or more of thetop member 603 and/or bottom member 605.

In the illustrative embodiment, an external surface of the top member603 includes a channel, groove or slot 607. The slot 607 can be sized orotherwise shaped to retain at least a portion of the deformable member510. In at least some embodiments, one or more of the levers 504 caninclude a similar slot along the upper and/or lower portions 603, 605.Lower slots (not shown) can be sized or otherwise shaped to retain atleast a portion of another deformable member, when present. To theextent other embodiments use other spring arrangements that do notrequire an enclosed loop, e.g., O-ring, the lever 504 a can includeother features, such as anchors to facilitate attachment of springs, andthe like. It is understood that the levers can include more than one ofthe upper slots 607, the lower slots or both, e.g., to accommodate morethan one resilient members. For example, multiple elastic bands orO-rings can be flexibly retained within respective slots to control orotherwise vary an amount of energy absorbed, stored and/or dissipated inresponse to an impact force.

FIGS. 13A-13D depict top perspective, front, bottom and sidecross-section views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of arear lever 504 c. The example does not include a lower slot, e.g., toregain an adjustment ring, because the example adjustment ring 605extends below the lever to provide occipital support to the user's head.

FIGS. 14A-14D depict front, side, bottom and bottom perspective views ofan upper pad assembly 506 of the helmet shock abatement system 500depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D. In more detail, the upper pad assembly 506includes four individual deformable members 506 a, 506 b, 506 c, 506 d,respectively disposed at a top end of each of the levers 504. Theindividual deformable members 506 can be shaped, e.g., collectively, toconform to a portion of the body, such as a crown portion of a head.Alternatively or in addition, the individual deformable members 506 canbe further shaped, e.g., to conform to a mounting surface of a topportion of each lever 504.

The example set of upper deformable members or springs 506 a, 506 b, 506c, 506 d, are configured to fit an upper portion of a human head, e.g.,using a dome shape of the head in conjunction with angled surfaces,e.g., in the geometry of the springs to help enact the levers 504 in apresence of an impact force applied to an exterior surface of thehelmet. In the illustrative embodiment, the set of upper springs 506 canbe visualized as a single large spring, e.g., an oval, cut to size tofit each respective upper lever extension or scoop 608. For example, aparticular number of upper springs 506 can be determined by acorresponding number of levers, e.g., four levers requires four springs,six levers requires six springs, and so on. This set of upper springs506 have a geometry that follows the contour of the upper dome of ahuman head. The example shape provides a comfortable, non-irritating fitto the user's head by providing a surface that conforms to an adjacentportion of the user's head, e.g., providing a slanted and/or curvedsurface.

FIGS. 15A-15D depict top perspective, front, bottom and cross-sectionalviews of a front pad 506 a of the upper pad assembly depicted in FIGS.14A-14D. The cross sectional view of the frontal upper spring 506 ashows an approximate quarter circular section 702 that matches up with acorresponding exposed surface of the upper scoop 608. The approximatequarter circular section 702 is configured to promote the upper spring's506 a, 506 b, 506 c or 506 d transfer of forces in substantially anyvector from vertical to horizontal from the head back to the upper scoop608.

Also the upper spring 506 a shows an inner surface having a curve, e.g.,a radius 707 that allows the upper part of the head to slide and wedgeitself easily and comfortably into the inside contour of the upperspring 506 a, 506 b, 506 c, 506 d. The cross section also shows thecontact angled surface 706 of the deformable member, e.g., foam, thatpromotes a fit with the dome of the head, and also works as a wedge thatforces the spring to react against the upper scoop 608 of the lever 504forcing it to act and transfer a portion of the force to the lower scoop605. It is understood that a distance or displacement of an upper end ofthe lever 504, e.g., in reaction to a collision promotes a displacementof the shock abatement system 500 in relation to a top portion of theuser's head. Namely, as the top ends of the levers 504 move away from acentral axis, resulting in a separation or opening of adjacent annularspring 506 to allow the user's head to translate along the central axis,e.g., upward into the opening provided by the springs 506. A distance oftranslation of the head along the vertical axis can be controlled, atleast to some extent, according to the angles of rotation of the levers,sizes of the levers, size and/or shape of the annular spring 506, and soon.

The upper springs 506 a, 506 b, 506 c, and 506 d can be made of adeformable members, for example, including a highly resilient materialthat is injected into a mold or casted. In this embodiment, exampleresilient materials can include one of a polyurethane or platinumsilicone foam, or silicone or urethane rubber. Other embodiments can useother materials, e.g., foams, providing similar characteristics. Atleast one purpose of this material is to be highly resilient so as tohave a deformation and a maximum reaction to the force being applied soas to enact operation of the levers.

FIGS. 16A-16D depict top perspective, top, side and front views of aside pad 506 b of the upper pad assembly depicted in FIGS. 14A-14D. Theend view of the side pad 506 b shows an approximate quarter circularsection 802 that matches up with a corresponding exposed surface of theupper scoop 608 b. Also the upper spring 506 b shows an inner surfacehaving a contour or curve 807 that allows the upper part of the head toslide and wedge itself easily and comfortably into the inside contour ofthe upper spring 506 b. The end view also shows a contact angled surface806 of the foam that promotes a fit with the dome of the head, and alsoworks as a wedge that forces the spring to react against the upper scoop608 b of the lever 504 b forcing it to act and transfer a portion of theforce to the lower scoop 605 b.

FIGS. 17A-17D depict top perspective, top, front, and sidecross-sectional views of a rear pad 506 c of the upper pad assemblydepicted in FIGS. 14A-14D. The cross-sectional view of the side pad 506c shows an approximate quarter circular section 902 that matches up witha corresponding exposed surface of the upper scoop 608 c. Also the upperspring 506 c shows an inner surface having a contour or curve 907 thatallows the upper part of the head to slide and wedge itself easily andcomfortably into the inside contour of the upper spring 506 c. Thecross-sectional view also shows a contact angled surface 906 of the foamthat promotes a fit with the dome of the head, and also works as a wedgethat forces the spring to react against the upper scoop 608 c of thelever 504 c forcing it to act and transfer a portion of the force to thelower scoop 605 c.

FIGS. 18A-18D depicts the front, side, a bottom and top perspectiveviews of a lower pad assembly 508 of the helmet shock abatement systemdepicted in FIGS. 4A-4D. The lower spring set 508 a, 508 b, 508 c, 508 dcan be made of a deformable and resilient material to absorb energy bydeformation in response to an impact or collision force. In someembodiments, the lower springs 508 a, 508 b, 508 c, 508 d in the springset 508 have different sizes, shapes and/or thicknesses, e.g., to betteradjust the foams to the shape of the human head. More generally, theindividual deformable members 508 can be shaped, e.g., collectively, toconform to a portion of the body, such as a lower perimeter portion of ahead. Alternatively or in addition, the individual deformable members508 can be further shaped, e.g., to conform to a mounting surface of abottom portion of each lever 504.

By way of illustrative example, two different embodiments are presentedas options for one embodiment of the shock abatement system 500. Thefirst embodiment shown in FIGS. 19A-19D includes an embodiment of thelower front pad 508 a that includes a hollow foam construction. Forexample a relatively firm resilient foam can be used to form thetotality of this pad or spring 508 a, allowing for a base of deformablepadding, e.g., along the exterior surface 1002 b covered by a hollowpadding, e.g., including the open channel 1006 along the interiorsurface 1002 a. The hollow portion serves a purpose of deforming easily.Such configurations provide a dual function, e.g., a first deformationresponse that responds to placement on the user's head to assure comfortand/or fit, while also providing a second deformation response thatresponds to an impact to absorb energy, effectively slowing down animpact. Such multi-deformation response, e.g., dual resilient, materialscan be used for any of the deformable members or springs disclosedherein, including the upper and lower resilient members 506, 508. Thisembodiment can be manufactured by injection or by extrusion and are madeof a polyurethane foam. Other embodiments can use other materials andfoams, and can be casted.

The first resilient response for fit can be accommodated to at leastsome degree by a comparatively thin wall of the relatively firmresilient foam that yields to a relatively low force, e.g., associatedwith static operation of the helmet placed upon a user's head. Thesecond resilient response for shock absorption can be accommodated to atleast some degree by a comparatively thick wall of the relatively firmresilient foam that yields to a relatively greater force, e.g.,associated with dynamic operation of the helmet placed upon the user'shead. In at least some embodiments, the relatively thick wall includesan interior surface 1002 a collapsed against an exterior surface, suchthat there is little or no open channel 1106.

FIGS. 20A-20D depict top perspective, bottom, side and cross-sectionalviews of another embodiment of a lower front pad or spring 1108 a of thelower pad or spring assembly 508 that can be substituted for one or morepads of the lower pad assembly 508 depicted in FIGS. 18A-18D. A lowerfront pad 1108 a includes an interior surface 1102 a that faces thebody, when worn. The lower front pad 1108 a also includes an exteriorsurface 1102 b that abuts an interior surface of the bottom member 605.In some embodiments, the lower front pad 1108 a includes a deformablematerial. The deformable material can include a resilient material thatabsorbs energy when compressed. The front pad 1108 a is made up of twoor more deformable elements, e.g., deformable materials. Such materialscan be made of a foam, such as a polyurethane material that can beadhered together in layers. The layers range from least firm or softestfoam in contact with the head to firmest or hardest foam closer to thelower scoop 605. In this embodiment the softest foam provides a comfortpadding 1102 c that lies in contact with the human head, whereby thedeformable padding 1102 d is adhered or otherwise attached to the lowerscoop 605.

In the illustrative embodiment, the lower front pad 1108 a includesmultiple layers of material having different properties, e.g., differentresiliencies. For example, the lower front pad 1108 a includes adeformable safety padding 1102 d along an exterior portion, and acomfort padding 1102 c along an interior portion. In some embodiments,the comfort padding 1102 c can be relatively soft, deforming under arelatively gentle pressure. The softness can facilitate a secure fit andcomfort when worn. Conversely, the deformable safety padding 1102 d canbe relatively stiff, e.g., deforming only under a relatively highpressure. Accordingly, the safety padding 1102 d may deform, compress orthe like under collision forces or impacts, while remainingsubstantially non-compressed during normal periods of usage. It isunderstood that in at least some embodiments, one or more of the pads,e.g., the front lower pad 508 a, can include additional layers of othermaterials, such liquid absorbing materials to prevent sweat frominterfering with a user's vision.

Performance properties of the various components, systems and materialsdisclosed herein can include one or more of deformability, elasticity,resilience, compliance, density, compressibility, stiffness, rigidity,flexibility or pliability. Choices of components, systems, materials,component configurations and/or material configurations can be madeaccording to one or more of the performance properties. For example, anyof the deformable members disclosed herein can include a compressibleelement. The compressible element can include one of an elasticproperty, an inelastic property, or a combination of elastic andinelastic properties. For example choices can be made to ensure thatlevers do not fail under anticipated collision forces, that compressivemembers maintain their compressibility under anticipated forces, and thelike.

It is understood that compressibility of a deformable element can resultfrom one of a bulk material property, a geometry or shape, or acombination thereof. The compressible element can include any form ofsprings and/or shapes, such as corrugated shapes. In at least someembodiments, the compressible element can include a compressiblematerial. Examples of compressible materials include, withoutlimitation, one of a gas, a liquid, a solid, a gel, a foam, andcombinations thereof, resilient materials, compliant materials.Alternatively or in addition, the deformable member can include adeformable system or assembly. Examples of deformable systems and/orassemblies can include airbag systems, and the like.

FIGS. 21A-21C depict top perspective, top and rear, and expanded viewsof an example of an adjustment band 512 of the helmet shock abatementsystem 500 depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D. When the adjustment band 512 istightened the lower spring set 508 a, 508 b, 508 c, 508 d (FIG. 18A-18D)is slightly deformed against the head of the user securing the machine,and the helmet on to the head, while allowing the levers to rotate inresponse to an impact. When an impact is received the deformable paddingwill deform to absorb energy. The example adjustment band, 512, isplaced inside adjustable band guide grooves 610 along the outer surfaceof the lower scoops 605 of the front and lateral levers 504 a, 504 b,504 d, where it can slide and aid in the adjustment of the machine tothe head. The adjustment band 512 can include one or more notches 1204that ease the process of inserting the band 512 inside the adjustmentband groove guide 610 and a regular adjustment band width 1202 that willfit securely inside said adjustment band groove guide 610.

It is understood that in at least some embodiments, the adjustment band512 can be positioned inside of one or more of the levers 508, e.g., toprevent any possibility of interference with rotation of one or more ofthe levers 508 that might otherwise result from an overtightening of theadjustment band 512. For example, the adjustment band 512 can beattached to a helmet shell and positioned so that the adjustment banddoes not interfere with rotation of the levers 508 and/or performance ofthe shock abatement system.

In the illustrative embodiment, the adjustment band also has anoccipital support with adjustment mechanism 1206 of the ratchet kind.However other embodiments can use any of the available adjustmentmechanisms and/or occipital supports.

The adjustment band 512 in this embodiment can be made of a flexiblematerial with high tensile resistance like polymers, e.g.,polypropylene. This material can be injected, casted, press-cut formed,or the like, using known manufacturing techniques to fully form all thedetails of the grooves needed for the adjustment mechanism. However,other embodiments that use other adjustment mechanisms can use differentmeans of manufacturing, such as punching. Any flexible material withrelatively high tensile strength can be used like other polymers,leather, metals, foils, etc.

FIG. 22A depicts a side view of an example of a lever assembly 504 a ofthe helmet shock abatement system 500 depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D. Inparticular, the lever assembly 504 a is in a normal, e.g., non-stressedconfiguration, providing a slight bow with an open concave portionfacing the user's head when worn. FIG. 22B, depicts a side view of thelever assembly 504 a of FIG. 22A subjected to a force acting upon thepivot 522. Such a force can be induced by a downward and/or sidecollision or impact to a helmet containing the shock abatement system500 that includes a force component directed towards and/or away fromthe pivot 522. Forces applied above and/or below the pivot tend to causea rotation of the lever assembly 504 a, whereas forces directedtowards/away from the pivot 522 tend to cause a leaf spring response ofthe lever assembly 504 a. A rotational response, a leaf-spring responseor a combination of both is an example of a controlled movement offeredby the lever assembly 504 a.

In the illustrative example, the elongated member 601 includes a levershaft having a first, e.g., upper, portion 601 a and a second, e.g.,lower, portion 601 b distinguishable by reference to a location of thepivot 522. The bowed length of the lever shaft 601 flexes, bends orotherwise yields in response to the lateral force, providing aleaf-spring response. Namely, the bending of the elongated member 601results in a momentary displacement of a central portion or pivot 522 ofthe lever 504 a, inward, towards the user's head. The inward distortioncan transfer at least a portion of kinetic energy resulting from animpact into an absorbed, stored and/or otherwise dissipated energy. Inat least some embodiments, more than one of the levers 504 a, 504 b, 504c, 504 d provide similar leaf spring function. Namely, in response to avertical force, the lever pivots about its pivot axis. Alternatively orin addition, in response to a vertical and/or lateral force, the leverdeforms, e.g., bends, providing a momentary displacement of the upperand lower spring members with respect to the pivot axes.

FIG. 23A depicts a front view of an alternative helmet shock abatementsystem 2000 placed on a human head 2001. The alternative shock abatementsystem 2000 can be used with safety helmets, e.g., construction helmets,sports equipment, such as the football helmet 2010 depicted in FIG. 23B,and/or the military helmet 2020 depicted in FIG. 23C.

FIGS. 24A-24D depicts front, side, bottom, and top perspective views ofthe alternative helmet shock abatement systems depicted in FIG. 23A.Generally, the shock abatement system 2000 includes at least two sets oflevers, or arrays. A first lever assembly 2006 and a second leverassembly 2016 are interspersed about the user's head 2001 when worn. Theexample first lever assembly 2006 includes four levers 2004 rotatableabout respective pivots 2002. The first lever assembly 2006 includes atop spring 2005 in communication with a top end of each of the levers2004 of the first lever assembly 2006, and a bottom spring 2007 incommunication with a bottom end of each of the levers 2004. Likewise,the example second assembly 2016 includes four levers 2014 rotatableabout respective pivots 2012. The second lever assembly 2016 includes atop spring 2015 in communication with a top end of each of the levers2014 of the second lever assembly 2016, and a bottom spring 2017 incommunication with a bottom end of each of the second levers 2014. Eachof the levers 2004, 2014 can be similar to the levers disclosedhereinabove, e.g., having an elongated lever arm extending between firstand second ends, a pivot at a position along the lever arm between thefirst and second ends, one or more pivot extensions, upper and/or lowerextensions to which resilient pads or springs can be attached, and thelike.

FIG. 25 depicts an exploded view of the alternative helmet shockabatement system depicted in FIG. 23A. A first lever assembly or array2006 includes a front lever 2004 a, a right side lever 2004 c, a rearlever 2004 b and a left side lever 2004 d, generally 2004. Each of thefirst levers 2004 rotates about a respective pivot axis 2002 alignedwithin a common first plane substantially orthogonal to a central axis.Each of the first levers 2004 can rotate in a respective plane thatincludes the central axis.

Likewise, in the illustrative example, the levers 2014 of the secondlever assembly 2016 is offset, rotationally about a central axis, e.g.,at about 45 degrees from the levers 2004 of the first lever assembly2006. The second lever array 2016 includes a front-right lever 2014 b, arear-right side lever 2014 c, a rear-left side lever 2014 d and afront-left side lever 2014 a, generally 2014. Each of the second levers2014 rotates about a respective pivot axis aligned within a commonsecond plane substantially orthogonal to the central axis. The first andsecond planes can be separated along the central axis, as shown, orlocated at the same location. In the illustrative example the pivot axes2002 of the first lever assembly 2006 lies within the first planelocated above the second plane containing pivot axes 2012 of the secondlever assembly 2016.

FIGS. 26A-26B depicts front and side views of the first lever assembly2006 of the alternative helmet shock abatement system depicted in FIG.23A. The first lever assembly 2006 includes at least one top spring 2005and at least one bottom spring 2007. The top and bottom springs 2005,2007 react against pivotal rotations of the first levers 2004. Namely,one or more of the top and/or bottom springs 2005, 2007 distort, e.g.,stretch, in response to in impact force that causes a rotation of one ormore of the first levers 2004.

FIGS. 27A-27B depicts front and side views of a second, e.g., lower,lever assembly 2016 of the alternative helmet shock abatement systemdepicted in FIG. 23A. The lower lever assembly 2016 includes a topspring 2015 and a bottom spring 2017. The top and bottom springs 2015,2017 react against pivotal rotations of the lower levers 2014. Namely,one or more of the top and/or bottom springs 2015, 2017 distort, e.g.,stretch, in response to in impact force that causes a rotation of one ormore of the lower levers 2014.

FIGS. 28A-28B depict front and side views, respectively, of the firstlever assembly 2006 of the alternative helmet shock abatement system ofFIG. 23A placed on the human head 2001.

FIGS. 28C-28D depict sagittal and frontal cross-sectional views,respectively, of the first level assembly 2006 of FIGS. 28A-28B.

FIGS. 29A-29B depict front and side views, respectively, of the secondlever assembly 2016 of the alternative helmet shock abatement system ofFIG. 23A placed on a human head.

FIGS. 29C-29D depict front and rear-facing frontal cross-sectionalviews, respectively, of the second lever assembly 2016 of FIGS. 29A-29B.

FIG. 30A depicts a side view of an example of a lever 3004 of the firstlever assembly 2006 of the alternative helmet shock abatement systemdepicted in FIG. 23A. In the illustrative example, the second leverassembly 2016 extends below a bottom extremity of the first leverassembly 2006. Accordingly, the lever assemblies can be distinguishedaccording to a top lever assembly 2006 and a bottom lever assembly 2016.In particular, the top lever 3004 is depicted in its normal, e.g.,non-stressed configuration. FIG. 30B, depicts a side view of the toplever 3004 of the top lever assembly 2006 of FIG. 23A subjected to alateral force. Such a lateral force can be induced by a side collisionor impact to a helmet containing the shock abatement system 2000. Inparticular, a length along the lever shaft, e.g., an upper shaft segment3001 a, a lower shaft segment 3001 b, or a combination of the upper andlower shaft segments 3001 a, 3001 b, flexes, bends or otherwise yieldsin response to the lateral force. The bending can result in a momentarydisplacement of a central portion of the lever in a direction of thecollision force. In at least some embodiments, the one or more of thelevers 2004 a, 2004 b, 2004 c, 2004 d also provide a leaf springfunction. Namely, in response to a vertical force, the lever pivotsabout its pivot axis. Alternatively or in addition, in response to alateral force, the lever 3004 bends providing a momentary displacementof the upper and lower spring members with respect to the pivot axes.The levers 2014 of the lower lever assembly 2016 can provide a similarleaf spring response to non-axial forces. Each of the pivotal and leafspring responses can occur alone or in combination for one or more ofthe levers 2004, 2014 of one or more of the lever assemblies 2006, 2016.A particular response of any single lever can be determined by adirection of the collision, e.g., along the line of impact, and/or aresponse of one or more levers of the same lever assembly or a differentlever assembly.

The first and second lever assemblies 2006, 2016 can offer differentresponses based on their respective configurations. For example, leversof the first lever assembly 2006 can include a first pivot axis locatedat a first distance along the levers to provide a first mechanicaladvantage. Likewise, levers of the second lever assembly 2016 caninclude a second pivot axis located at a second distance along thelevers to provide a second mechanical advantage. The first and secondmechanical advantages can be the same or different. Alternatively or inaddition, other features can be varied among and/or between levers ofthe different lever assemblies 2006, 2016. Such features include,without limitation, lever lengths, lever shapes, lever materials, leverspring constants, lever pad sizes, and so on. In some embodiments, thelevers are stacked and/or interlinked such that, in an event of animpact, at least some of the levers provide a leaf-spring response,while, at least some of the levers rotate about respective pivot axes.Such configurations provide a dual protection. For example, an impactmay result in levers of an upper lever array rotating about theirrespective pivots. The same impact may result in levers of a lower leverarray providing a leaf spring response. It is understood that one ormore levers of one or more of the lever arrays can provide one or bothof the rotational and bending responses in response to the same impact.

In some embodiments, a padding size, e.g., thickness, can be varied.Dimensions, shape and/or placement of the various pads used with thelevers can be arranged to facilitate movement of the levers. Movement ofthe levers can include a first rotation in reaction to a downward force,and a second rotation in reaction to a side force. Accordingly, one ormore of the lever arrays respond to impact forces from one or moredirections.

In some instances the levers rotate “down” from the crown of the headtoward the sides of the head. Alternatively or in addition the leverscan rotate “up” from the side of the head to the crown of the head. Theparticular rotation, including a combination of down and up rotations,generally depends upon a direction and/or a location of the impact forceor forces. By allowing the levers to rotate in more than one direction,the shock abatement system is able to react to one or more forcesapplied along one or more various directions.

It is understood that the shock abatement system 2000 can be placedwithin a protective shell, such as a helmet shell. Alternatively or inaddition, the shock abatement system 2000 can be used without a separateprotective shell. In the latter configuration, a collision force wouldbe received directly upon an exterior facing surface of one or more ofthe levers 2004, 2014. In either configuration, one or more of thelevers respond to the collision according to the various responsedisclosed herein. For example, one or more of the levers 2004, 2014 canpivot and/or flex in response to the collision force.

In operation, a first rotation of at least one lever 2004 of the first,or upper, lever assembly 2006 results in a top end of the lever(s) 2004rotating inward, towards the central axis. The first rotation alsoresults in a bottom end of the lever(s) 2004 rotating outward, away fromthe central axis. The outward rotation of the bottom end of the lever(s)2004 results in an expansive deformation of the bottom spring 2007. Asecond rotation of at least one lever 2004 of the first lever assembly2006 results in a top end of the lever(s) 2004 rotating outward, awayfrom the central axis. The second rotation also results in a bottom endof the lever(S) 2004 rotating inward, toward the central axis. Theoutward rotation of the top end of the lever(s) 2004 results in anexpansive deformation of the top spring 2005.

Similarly, a first rotation of at least one lever 2014 of the second, orlower, lever assembly 2016 results in a top end of the lever(s) 2014rotating inward, towards the central axis. The first rotation alsoresults in a bottom end of the lever(s) 2014 rotating outward, away fromthe central axis. The outward rotation of the bottom end of the lever(s)2014 results in an expansive deformation of the bottom spring 2017. Asecond rotation of at least one lever 2014 of the second lever assembly2016 results in a top end of the lever(s) 2014 rotating outward, awayfrom the central axis. The second rotation also results in a bottom endof the lever(s) 2014 rotating inward, toward the central axis. Theoutward rotation of the top end of the lever(s) 2014 results in anexpansive deformation of the top spring 2015 Protection systemsincluding multiple lever assemblies are adapted to process forces comingfrom different directions, to absorb and/or dissipate energy in adirection different from direction of collision force

FIGS. 31A-31D depict front, side, bottom and top perspective views ofanother embodiment of the alternative helmet shock abatement systemdepicted in FIG. 23A. The assembly includes a mounting structure, e.g.,a mounting ring 2050. The mounting ring 2050 can be similar to themounting ring 502 described hereinabove, except that the mounting ring2050 can include two sets of lever cavities, e.g., one for the top leverassembly 2006 and another for the bottom lever assembly 2016. Each ofthe lever cavities can include respective pivot cavities to acceptand/or retain pivots of respective levers, allowing the levers to rotateabout their respective pivot axes. In at least some embodiments, thepivot cavities are offset, such that levers of the top lever assembly2006 rotate about pivot axes in a first transverse plane, whereas leversof the lower lever assembly 2016 rotate about pivot axes in a secondtransverse plane. It is understood that some embodiments can includemultiple mounting rings, e.g., one for each of the respective leverassemblies 2006, 2016. Alternatively or in addition, one or more leversof one or more lever assemblies 2006, 2016 can be pivotally mounted to amounting ring, a helmet, or any combination thereof. For example, aprotective shell or helmet can include pivot mounts, e.g., cavities thatare casted or otherwise integrally formed with the helmet.

FIGS. 32A and 33A depict schematic diagrams of a mechanical andelectrical analog of the helmet shock abatement system depicted in FIGS.4A-4D and FIG. 32D. The example shock abatement system 500 (FIGS. 4A-4D)includes four levers, each rotatable about a respective pivot axis. Thelevers include top and bottom resilient pads or springs that interactwith a head of the user. A mechanical system 3200 includes a firstparallel arrangement of four springs corresponding to the spring membersof the top portion of the levers, e.g., between a pivot position and atop attachment. Likewise, the mechanical system 3200 includes a secondparallel arrangement of four springs corresponding to the spring membersof the bottom portion of the levers, e.g., between the pivot portion andthe bottom attachment. An interaction of forces between the top andbottom portions of the levers can be controlled by the mechanicaladvantage of the levers, e.g., where the pivot axis is located along thelever.

An electrical schematic diagram 3300 represents an electrical circuitcorresponding to the mechanical schematic 3200 and the physicalconfiguration of the shock abatement system 500. Each of the four springmembers of the top portion of the lever array 3202 is represented by afirst group of series connected capacitors C1, C2, C3, C4. Thecapacitors store energy as do the mechanical springs. Likewise, each ofthe four spring members of the bottom portion of the lever array 3202 isrepresented by a second group of series connected capacitors. Onceagain, the second group of capacitors store energy as do thecorresponding mechanical springs. Interactions between a left portion ofthe circuit and a right portion of the circuit is based on a centraltransformer.

Depending upon a particular configuration of the transformer, a firstvoltage V₁ applied to a left side of the transformer induces a secondvoltage V₂ at the right side of the transformer. A relationship betweenthe first and second voltages can be controlled by the transformer toprovide a step up in voltage, such that V₂>V₁, or a step down, in whichV₂<V₁. Thus, positioning of the pivot point provides a transformation tothe redistribution of forces resulting from a collision. Thetransformation leverages a mechanical advantage of the lever.

The levers of the foregoing embodiment can be described as beingvertical levers. Namely, rotations of the levers about their fulcraoccur within a vertical plane. It is understood that other embodimentscan include one or more non-vertical levers, e.g., for which rotationoccurs in a non-vertical plane. For example, a helmet application caninclude one or more levers that pivot in a horizontal plane, e.g.,rotated about 90 degrees from the example levers disclosed herein. Otherlevers can be aligned in virtually any direction. Moreover, it isunderstood that levers of more than one orientation can be applied to asingle application. For example, a helmet application can include one ormore vertical levers, one or more horizontal levers, and/or one or moreslanted levers that rotate in planes that are neither vertical norhorizontal.

FIGS. 32B, 32C and 33B depict schematic diagrams of a mechanical andelectrical analog 3240, 3340 of other embodiments of a helmet shockabatement system. This illustrative example, the shock abatement systemincludes dampers, such as dashpots d1, d2, d3, d4, d5, d6, d7, d8associated with each of upper levers and lower levers of a leverassembly, e.g., similar to the helmet shock abatement system 2000depicted in FIGS. 24A-24D, with the addition of dampers. The dampers candissipate a non-trivial portion of energy of a collision force. Energydissipation provided by the dampers can include transforming a portionof a kinetic energy of a collision into thermal energy.

FIG. 33C illustrates a schematic diagram of another mechanical analog ofanother embodiment of a helmet shock abatement system. In particular,the illustrative mechanical analog 3360 includes provisions for ano-ring, such as the example o-ring in communication with upper levers ofan example lever assembly. Other analogs are possible to accommodate anyof the various example embodiments disclosed herein using wellestablished techniques.

It is understood that one or more of the electrical schematic 3300 andthe mechanical schematic 3200 can be used to evaluate any of the examplesystems disclosed herein, including various combinations of one or moreof the individual features. In some embodiments, configurations orcircuits, such as the example electrical 3300 and/or mechanical 3200schematic diagrams can be used to synthesize particular systemconfigurations, including one or more of system configurations andsystem component values, e.g., spring constants.

FIG. 34 depicts a process 3400 for abating shock resulting from acollision. An applied force is received at an external surface of aprotective shell worn upon a body at 3402. The protective shell caninclude any of the devices disclosed herein, including, withoutlimitation, a helmet system including a protective shell and a machine.The applied force can be responsive to a collision, e.g., between theprotective shell and another object. The other object can be mobile,e.g., as in a projectile and/or another movable object. Alternatively,the other object can be immobile, e.g., a wall or the ground. It isunderstood that a collision can be a simple collision occurringsubstantially along a single line of action, e.g., a direction of theapplied force.

Alternatively, the collision can be complex. For example, the collisioncan include multiple forces applied along multiple directions. Consideran example of a helmet being driven into an interior 90 degree corner,such that both walls exert respective forces upon the helmet. Complexitycan include a sequence of collisions that can be applied in a rapid andpossibly overlapping manner According, an initial state of any singlecollision can be a resting state, e.g., static worn state, or adistorted state as may have resulted from an immediately precedingcollision.

A movable part of the machine disposed between the protective shell andthe body is activated, responsive to the receiving of the applied, orimpact, force at 3404. The machine can include movable parts can includeany of the example mechanisms and components disclosed herein. Forexample and without limitation, machines can include one or more oflevers, screws, gears, pulleys, inclined planes, hinges, wedges, and thelike.

A portion of the applied force transferred toward the body isredistributed based on the actuating of the movable part at 3406.Redistribution of the forces can include redirecting of the force, e.g.,by an angular displacement. Example angular displacements can include,without limitation, greater than about 15 degrees, about 90 degreesand/or greater than 90 degrees. For example, a collision force appliedvertically to a helmet worn upon a head can result in one or morehorizontal forces directed inward on one or more side portions of thehead. In at least some embodiments, such inward forces can be opposing,e.g., being directed inward along radii toward a central vertical axis.

In at least some embodiments, the process 3400 includes providing and/orassembling a helmet system that includes a protective shell thatreceives or otherwise experiences an impact force in response to acollision between the protective shell and another external object at3402. The shell can include any of the various protective shellsdisclosed herein, such as unitary shells, sections and/or segmentedshells. The providing of the helmet system, including any of the examplehelmet systems disclosed herein, can include providing only an operativeportion of the helmet system, such as a machine, e.g., lever system,that when combined with a protective shell, operates as describedherein. Alternatively or in addition, the providing of the helmet systemcan include providing an assembled helmet system and/or assembling theentire system and/or at least an operative part of the helmet system,such as the machine and/or mechanisms that are actuated responsive to acollision to redirect the received collision force, and/or to absorb atleast a portion of the kinetic energy of the collision.

In at least some embodiments, the process 3400, includes reducing aportion of the impact force and/or energy that would otherwise betransferred toward the protected body at 3408 (shown in phantom). Thisreduction can include one or more of absorbing and/or dissipating energyassociated with the collision. The absorbing and/or dissipating energycan occur, at least in part, along a direction other than the line ofaction. Alternatively or in addition, a reduction of at least a portionof the impact force can include an elastic and/or plastic behavior ofmaterials to transform at least a portion of impact kinetic energy.Namely, impact energy can be absorbed by a break or fracture, a dent, adeformation or other temporary and/or permanent alteration of aprotective system component. For example, some protection systems, suchas motorcycle and/or bicycle helmets that are designed to break,fracture and/or otherwise deform in response to a collision. In at leastsome embodiments, energy absorption can be accomplished by distortion ofa resilient and/or compliant member. Examples include, withoutlimitation, storing kinetic energy of the collision in mechanicalenergy, e.g., potential energy of a distorted spring, a compressedresilient pad, and the like.

FIGS. 35A and 35B depict side and bottom perspective views,respectively, of a portion of an example lever assembly 3500. The leverassembly 3500 includes four levers 3502 disposed about a central axis.Each of the levers 3502 is pivotable about a respective pivot axis 3508.The levers 3502, in contrast to levers of the preceding examples, e.g.,of FIGS. 4A and 23A, include a fulcrum positioned at one end of thelever, instead of being located between opposing ends of the lever.Namely, the example levers 3502 extend from the pivot point in onedirection, and are referred to herein as “half” levers. In particular,the example levers 3502 can be considered as upper levers. It isunderstood that other configurations can include half levers extendingfrom a pivot in another direction, e.g., downward, to form lower levers.It is also understood that some other assemblies can includecombinations of one or more upper levers and one or more lower levers.

In the illustrative example, the pivot axes 3508 lie within a commonplane that is perpendicular to the central axis. It is understood thatother configurations are possible, for example, including pivot axesthat lie within different planes orthogonal to the central axis andpositioned at different locations along the central axis. Alternativelyor in addition, at least some of the axes can have an orientation thatlies outside of a plane orthogonal to the central axis. For example,some of the axes can have an orientation forming a non-zero angle, e.g.,10°, 30°, 45°, 60°, with one of a plane orthogonal to the central axis,the central axis, or both.

In the illustrative example, all four levers 3502 are similar in design.Namely, each lever 3502 includes a first end at or near a pivot axis anda second end including a deformable member, e.g., a resilient pad. Inmore detail, each of the levers 3502 includes pivot extensions 3508 thatsnap fit within recess pivot cavities of a pivot mounting ring 3504. Thepivot mounting ring 3504 can include any of the example lever mountingassemblies disclosed herein.

The example lever system 3500 also includes a common resilient member3506 positioned adjacent to a second end of each of the levers 3502. Thecommon resilient member includes a spring, e.g., an elastomer, in theshape of an enclosed loop. The elastomeric loop 3506 is positioned alongan outer facing surface of the upper end of each of the levers. Inresponse to a collision force, one or more of the levers 3502 rotatesabout its respective pivot. Rotation of the one or more levers 3502 candeform the elastomeric loop 3506. For example, an outward rotation of anupper portion of the levers 3502 deforms the elastomeric loop 3506 byexpanding the loop. It is understood that expansion of the elastomericloop 3506 and/or compression of the resilient pads, can expend and/orotherwise absorb at least a portion of a kinetic energy resulting from acollision.

FIGS. 36A and 36B depict side and bottom perspective views,respectively, of a portion of an example of another lever assembly 3600.The lever assembly 3600 includes one upper lever 3602 and three “full”levers 3610 disposed about a common central axis. Each of the levers3602, 3610 is pivotable about a respective pivot axis, e.g., pivot axis3608. Other configurations can include varying numbers and/or types oflevers, including combinations of one or more of upper levers, lowerlevers and/or full levers pivotally attached to one or more pivotanchors, such as the illustrative pivot mounting ring 3604.

In more detail, each of the illustrative full lever 3610 includes anupper portion 3612 extending upward from the pivot axis 3608 and a lowerportion 3614 extending downward from the pivot axis 3608. The upper andlower portions 3612, 3614 can be similar or different. In theillustrative example, the upper portion 3612 has a solid profile of afirst thickness with a concave surface facing inward, towards thecentral axis. In contrast, the lower portion 3614 includes an openprofile, i.e., including slots, of a second thickness with asubstantially planer surface facing inward towards the central axis.Other configurations are possible, and applicable to any of the varioustypes of levers disclosed herein.

It is understood that virtually any material has an elastic regiondepending upon a magnitude of an applied force. Namely, an elasticdeformation is a change in shape and/or size of a material induced by arelatively low stress that is recoverable after the stress is removed. Aplastic region of deformation can be achieved in least some materials,by applying a relatively high stress, e.g., above or beyond the elasticregion. It should be understood that such terms as used herein presumethat the elastic regions of the materials fall within force ranges thatallow the materials to be used for their elastic properties withoutcausing damage or injury to a protected item, such as a human head.

Any of the deformable members disclosed herein can include acompressible element. The compressible element can include one of anelastic property, an inelastic property, or a combination of elastic andinelastic properties. It is understood that compressibility of thedeformable member can result from one of a bulk material property, ageometry or shape, or a combination thereof. The compressible elementcan include any form of springs and/or shapes, such as corrugatedshapes. In at least some embodiments, the compressible element caninclude a compressible material. Examples of compressible materialsinclude, without limitation, one of a gas, a liquid, a solid, a gel, afoam, and combinations thereof, resilient materials, compliantmaterials. Alternatively or in addition, the deformable member caninclude a deformable system or assembly. Examples of deformable systemsand/or assemblies can include airbag systems, and the like.

Beneficially, the various shock abatement systems disclosed hereinfacilitate mitigation of impact forces by one or more of deceleration,increasing a reaction distance and/or a extending a reaction time basedon an impact force. In at least some embodiments, one or more of thedeformable components, the mechanically actuated components contributeto a deceleration of a protective system in reaction to an impact, e.g.,a collision force. Reaction distances can include one or more ofrelative distances between a protected item, e.g., a head, and aprotective shell, e.g., a helmet. Alternatively or in addition, reactiondistances can include one or more of distances traversed by one or morecomponents of the shock abatement systems. For example, these distancescan include displacements based on activation of mechanisms, such as thelevers, the pulleys, the screws, the inclined planes, and the like. Itis further understood that in at least some embodiments, any of thevarious configurations of the shock abatement systems disclosed hereincan be contained entirely within and/or shielded entirely by theprotective shell. Namely, the various shock abatement systems can beentirely housed within a helmet.

In at least some embodiments, no portion of a shock abatement system ofa protective helmet system extends below a head portion and/or a neckportion of a body when the protective helmet system is work upon thehead portion and/or the neck portion of the body. For example, none ofthe levers, the deformable members of the like, extend below the headand/or neck. It is understood that a lever assembly can be positionedentirely within an interior region of a protective shell. Alternativelyor in addition, a portion of the lever assembly can be positioned withinthe interior region of the protective shell, while another portion ofthe lever assembly is not positioned within the interior region. In someembodiments, the entire lever assembly can be positioned external to aprotective shell. Alternatively or in addition, the lever assembly canserve as a protective shell or cage, without necessarily requiring aseparate shell.

The helmet system includes a machine that responds to a collisionbetween an external surface of the helmet system and a foreign object,by providing a controlled movement that redistributes energy of thecollision. The redistribution of the collision energy results in anabsorption and/or dissipation of a non-trivial portion of the collisionenergy in one or more directions that differ from a direction of thecollision, sometimes referred to as a line of impact. The machines caninclude, without restriction, any of the example arrangements of leversdisclosed herein. In some embodiments, the helmet system includes anassembly of a protective shell and a lever system, arranged such thatthe protective shell forms at least a portion of the external surface ofthe helmet system exposed to the collision. Alternatively or inaddition, the assembly of the protective shell and the lever system canbe arranged such that the lever system forms at least a portion of theexternal surface of the helmet system exposed to the collision. In otherembodiments, the helmet system includes a lever system that provides theentire exterior surface exposed to the collision. It is understood thatin at least some embodiments, at least a portion of the lever system canserve as at least a portion of a protective shell.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Theexemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or stepsfrom multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derivedtherefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figuresare also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certainproportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to theexemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms todescribe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second,third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or functionunless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, thirdand so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components,steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, oneor more devices or components described with respect to the exemplaryembodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating(e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection)can include less than every step needed to perform the function or caninclude all of the steps needed to perform the function.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can beseen that various features are grouped together in a single embodimentfor the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subjectmatter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a helmet defining anopen ended cavity adapted to receive a portion of a human body; and ashock abatement assembly disposed at least partially within the openended cavity, wherein the shock abatement assembly comprises: aplurality of lever machines, wherein a first lever machine of theplurality of lever machines comprises an elongated member extendingalong a length between a first end and a second end; a plurality offulcra fixedly positioned with respect to the helmet, wherein theplurality of fulcra pivotally engage the plurality of lever machines,wherein a first fulcrum of the plurality of fulcra engages the firstlever machine of the plurality of lever machines along the length of theelongated member, wherein the first lever machine of the plurality oflever machines rotates freely about the first fulcrum of the pluralityof fulcra according to a controlled movement in response to anapplication of an impact force based on a collision between the helmetand a foreign object to obtain a lever machine response, wherein theapplication of the impact force occurs along a first direction to anexterior surface of the helmet; a first end portion at a first end ofthe first lever machine of the plurality of lever machines, wherein thefirst end portion defines a surface having a non-parallel orientation toa line joining the first and second ends, and in response to theapplication of the impact force, facilitates a reaction force comprisinga directed force determined in part by the first direction and in partby the non-parallel orientation of the surface; and a deformable memberengaging the first lever machine of the plurality of lever machines at afirst position spaced apart from the first fulcrum of the plurality offulcra, wherein the deformable member is deformed to obtain adeformation responsive to the lever machine response, wherein thedeformation occurs in a second direction different from the firstdirection, and wherein the deformation absorbs a non-trivial portion ofa kinetic energy of the collision.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein thedeformable member comprises a spring that stores the non-trivial portionof the kinetic energy in response to a rotation of the first levermachine of the plurality of lever machines about the first fulcrum ofthe plurality of fulcra, wherein the spring stores the non-trivialportion of the kinetic energy in response to an expansion of the spring,and wherein the surface comprises a curved surface.
 3. The device ofclaim 2, wherein the spring is in communication between the first levermachine and a second lever machine of the plurality of lever machines,and wherein rotation of the first and second lever machines in responseto the impact force of the collision deforms the spring to store thenon-trivial portion of the kinetic energy, wherein the curved surfacedefines a curve extending away from the elongated member, and whereinthe first lever machine of the plurality of lever machines experiences arotation about the first fulcrum of the plurality of fulcra in responseto the application of the impact force along the first direction.
 4. Thedevice of claim 3, wherein the plurality of fulcra are disposed within afirst plane, wherein the spring comprises an enclosed loop incommunication with the first and second lever machines of the pluralityof lever machines, wherein the enclosed loop is deformed in a secondplane substantially parallel to the first plane, wherein rotations ofthe first and the second lever machines of the plurality of levermachines stretches the enclosed loop, and wherein the first and thesecond lever machines of the plurality of lever machines, in response tothe rotations, are adapted to provide opposing forces upon the portionof the human body.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the elongatedmember of the first lever machine of the plurality of lever machinescomprises a leaf spring extending between the first end and the secondend that absorbs another non-trivial portion of the kinetic energy, byway of the first fulcrum of the plurality of fulcra, associated with theimpact force of the collision by bending along the length of theelongated member to allow for a displacement of the first fulcrum of theplurality of fulcra with respect to the first end and the second end,and wherein one of the elongated member, the first end, the second end,or a combination thereof, comprises a curved portion adapted to conformto an abutting region of the portion of the human body.
 6. The device ofclaim 1, wherein a first end of each lever machine of the plurality oflever machines is positioned proximal to a top of the helmet, andwherein each lever machine of the plurality of lever machines extendsaway from the top of the helmet, such that a second end of each levermachine of the plurality of lever machines is positioned distal to thetop of the helmet, wherein the first lever machine of the plurality oflever machines is rotatably attached to the helmet, and wherein thefirst fulcrum of the plurality of fulcra is fixedly positioned withrespect to the helmet in response to the impact force of the collision,allowing the first lever machine of the plurality of lever machines torotate about the first fulcrum of the plurality of fulcra.
 7. The deviceof claim 6, wherein the shock abatement assembly further comprises alever-mounting frame, wherein the lever-mounting frame comprises anenclosed loop positioned along an interior surface of the helmet andfrictionally engaging the interior surface of the helmet along aperimeter, wherein the plurality of lever machines are removablyattached to the lever-mounting frame, and wherein the plurality of levermachines are rotatably attached to the lever-mounting frame.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the surface comprises a concave surface,wherein the deformable member comprises a compressible element, and arotation of the first lever machine of the plurality of lever machinesabout the first fulcrum of the plurality of fulcra provides a mechanicaladvantage based on a position of the first fulcrum of the plurality offulcra along the length between the first end and the second end.
 9. Ahelmet system, comprising a lever assembly configured to be worn upon ahead portion, a neck portion, or both of a human body, wherein the leverassembly comprises: a lever machine comprising: an elongated memberextending along a length between a first end and a second end and havinga pivot location, wherein the first end is positioned proximal to a topportion of the helmet system and wherein the second end is positioneddistal to the top portion of the helmet system; a fulcrum that pivotallyengages the elongated member at the pivot location, wherein the fulcrumis securely positioned with respect to the helmet system, wherein theelongated member rotates about the fulcrum, to obtain a lever machineresponse in response to an impact force applied along a first directionto an exterior surface of the helmet system, wherein the impact force isbased on a collision between the helmet system and another object; and afirst end portion comprising a surface fixedly positioned at the firstend of the elongated member, wherein the surface comprises anon-parallel orientation to a line joining the first and second ends,and in response to the impact force applied along the first direction,facilitates a reaction force determined in part by the first directionand in part by the non-parallel orientation of the surface; and atension spring engaging the lever machine, wherein an elongation of thetension spring based on the lever machine response, absorbs anon-trivial portion of a kinetic energy of the collision, wherein theelongation of the spring occurs in a second direction different from thefirst direction, and wherein the lever machine response redirects aportion of the impact force applied to the portion of the human bodyalong a second direction different from the first direction.
 10. Thehelmet system of claim 9, wherein the lever assembly comprises a firstplurality of lever machines disposed about a central axis, wherein eachlever machine of the first plurality of lever machines is rotatableabout a respective axis of rotation of a first plurality of axes ofrotation, wherein the first plurality of axes of rotation lie within afirst plane orthogonal to the central axis at a first location along thecentral axis, and wherein the surface comprises a curved surfaceextending along a curve away from the length of the lever machine. 11.The helmet system of claim 10, wherein the lever assembly comprises asecond plurality of lever machines disposed about the central axis,wherein each lever machine of the second plurality of lever machines isrotatable about a respective axis of a second plurality of axes ofrotation, and wherein the second plurality of axes of rotation liewithin a second plane orthogonal to the central axis at a secondlocation separated from the first location along the central axis. 12.The helmet system of claim 9, wherein the lever machine responsecomprises a mechanical advantage based on a ratio of a first lengthbetween the pivot location and the first and a second length between thepivot location and the second end, and wherein the lever machineresponse comprises a controlled movement that allow movement of theelongated member in one direction while preventing movement of theelongated member in another direction.
 13. The helmet system of claim 9,further comprising a shell, wherein the lever machine comprising a firstcompressible member at the first end defining the surface and a secondcompressible member at the second end, wherein one of the firstcompressible member, the second compressible member, or both, comprisesa polymer compressible between the lever machine and one of the portionof the human body, the shell, or both in response to the impact force.14. The helmet system of claim 9, wherein the lever assembly comprises aplurality of lever machines disposed about a central axis, wherein eachlever machine of the plurality of lever machines is rotatable about arespective axis of rotation of a plurality of axes of rotation, andwherein at least one axis of rotation of the plurality of axes ofrotation is one of orthogonal to the central axis, parallel to thecentral axis, or at a non parallel angle to the central axis.
 15. Thehelmet system of claim 9, wherein the lever machine comprises a leafspring defined along the length between the first end and the secondend, wherein the leaf spring is bendable along the length in response tothe impact force transferred to the leaf spring by way of the fulcrum tofacilitate a displacement of the pivot location to the first end and thesecond end.
 16. A method comprising: providing, a helmet systemcomprising a plurality of lever machines rotatable about a plurality offulcra, wherein top portions of the plurality of lever machines areproximal to a top portion of the helmet system, wherein bottom portionsof the plurality of lever machines are distal to the top portion of thehelmet system, and wherein the plurality of fulcra are fixedlypositioned with respect to the helmet system, wherein at least one levermachine of the plurality of lever machines rotates about a respectivefulcrum of the plurality of fulcra according to a predetermined machineresponse in response to an impact force received along a first directionat an external surface of the helmet system, the impact force resultingfrom a collision between the external surface of the helmet system andanother object, wherein a first deformable member of the helmet system,engaging at least one lever machine of the plurality of lever machines,experiences an expansion in response to a rotating of the at least onelever machine of the plurality of lever machines according to thepredetermined machine response, wherein a second deformable member ofthe helmet system, disposed at one end of the at least one lever machineof the plurality of lever machines, experiences a compression based on areaction to a movement of the at least one lever machine in a seconddirection different from the first direction, wherein the expansion ofthe first deformable member and the compression of the second deformablemember occur along different directions from the first direction, andwherein the expansion of the first deformable member, the compression ofthe second deformable member, or both absorbs a non-trivial portion of akinetic energy of the collision.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising redirecting a portion of the impact force, wherein theexpansion of the first deformable member further comprises transformingthe non-trivial portion of the kinetic energy of the collision into apotential energy comprising a strain energy based on the impact force.18. The method of claim 16, wherein the expansion of the firstdeformable member further comprises changing the non-trivial portion ofthe kinetic energy of the collision into one of a potential energy, amechanical energy, a thermal energy, an acoustic energy, an electricalenergy, a magnetic energy, or any combination thereof.
 19. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the rotating of the at least one lever machine of theplurality of lever machines is based on a non-planar surface of thesecond deformable member, the method further comprising deforming, bythe helmet system, a lever machine of the plurality of lever machines inresponse to the impact force, wherein the deforming of the lever machineabsorbs another non-trivial portion of the kinetic energy of thecollision.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the predetermined machineresponse facilitates a redirecting of the impact force received along afirst direction, and wherein the redirecting of the impact forcecomprises a transfer force adapted to act upon a human head along atleast one other direction different from the first direction.